Thrilling Battles at African Judo Championships in Cairo

The African Judo Championships of last weekend in Cairo, Egypt, provided a platform for exhilarating competition and showcased the rising talent within the continent. Host country Egypt secured victory in the last men's final as Mohamed Aborakia emerged triumphant against Algerian Mohamed El Mehdi Lili.

The competition between Algeria and Egypt, both renowned judo nations, was intense, with Egypt securing two more podium finishes than their Algerian counterparts. Behind the leading nations, Morocco and Tunisia also displayed fierce determination, with Morocco clinching third place with one silver and one bronze medal more than Tunisia.

With the Paris Olympic Games looming on the horizon, the championship held particular significance. The points earned in Cairo will undoubtedly impact the list of qualifiers for the upcoming Games. Several judoka showcased performances that virtually guarantee their presence in Paris this summer. Notable mentions include Younes Saddiki (MAR, -60kg), Kais Moudetere (ALG, -66kg), and Mariana Esteves (GUI, -57kg), among others, who demonstrated they can make a difference for Africa internationally.

For women, Oumaima Bedioui (TUN, -48kg), Soumiya Iraoui (MAR, -52kg), and Amina Belkadi (ALG, -63kg) emerged as champions, further highlighting the depth of talent in African judo. The championship saw participation from 17 countries on the podium, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic nature of judo across the continent. Notable performances included the bronze medal win by Simon Zulu (ZAM) and the impressive showing by experienced athletes like Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne (CIV) and Assmaa Niang (MAR).

The African Judo Championships not only celebrated the sport but also underscored the spirit of unity and competition within the African judo community. As the continent continues to nurture and develop its judo talent, the future of African judo shines brightly on the global stage.

Vlad Marinescu, Director General of the International Judo Federation (IJF), commended the African Championships for bringing together exceptional judo talent and passionate athletes on the road to the Olympic Games. He extended congratulations to the Egyptian Judo Federation, the government, and the African Judo Union for their efforts in organizing the successful event, which attracted nearly 200 athletes from 34 countries.