CAIRO — Egypt’s judokas made a resounding statement on the continental stage, clinching an impressive 24-medal haul at the African Judo Championship in Tunisia — a tournament serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar.
From youth to senior levels, the Egyptian squad demonstrated they were not just participants, but true contenders. With decisive ippons and disciplined defensive strategies, the team showcased their rising status as one of Africa’s premier judo powerhouses.
Staged from February 13–17, the championship brought together the continent’s fiercest competitors, all vying for supremacy. Yet, it was Egypt that dominated the tatami, finishing the tournament with a remarkable golden surge.
Medal tally
Egypt’s campaign at the African Judo Championship was a testament to their dominance across the continent, as the national team amassed an impressive collection of 9 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals, making every match a display of confidence and composure.
The performance showcased not only the skill and maturity of the Egyptian judokas but also underscored the rapid growth of the country’s judo programme.
Golden champions
Leading the charge was a golden generation of champions who really impressed with skill and determination. Ismail Mohamed (55kg), Ali Al-Ramly (81kg), Zain Abu Shama and Ammar Abu Hashem (90kg), Youssef Al-Kassar (73kg), and Hadi Hussein (+100kg) delivered commanding performances, dominating their respective men’s weight categories.
On the women’s side, Farida Magdy (70kg), Salsabil Mohamed (44kg), and Yasmin Mohamed (+70kg) matched this excellence, combining sharp tactical intelligence with calm, commanding presence under pressure.
Silver strength
Hot on the heels of the champions, Egypt’s silver medallists — Yassin Mohamed (55kg), Mazen Rahmi (+90kg), Abdullah Hamdi (+100kg), Yassin Sabra (60kg), Fares Ibrahim (73kg), Ayten Mohamed (70kg), Mariam Amir (57kg), and Bushra Mahmoud (63kg) — further solidified the team’s continental dominance.
Bronze backbone
The bronze medallists — Dalida Al-Gharbawi (63kg), Jana Hossam (70kg), Yasmin Mohamed (78kg), Yasmin Sabra (60kg), Saif Youssef (60kg), Mostafa Salah (66kg), and Yahya Diab (81kg) — truly showcased the depth of talent in Egypt.
Among the standout stories was Mostafa Salah, who claimed bronze in his very first international appearance, finishing off his first international competition. After rigorous training in France, he finished strong, signaling the rise of a promising new star in Egyptian judo.
Youth brilliance
From the opening bouts to the final throws, the youth squad set the tone with fearless intensity, kicking off their campaign with an impressive haul of 11 medals — 2 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze — instantly placing the nation at the top of the championship standings.
Junior control
The juniors followed with remarkable composure, winning 9 medals — 5 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze — in a collective performance.
Senior authority
Anchoring the campaign, the senior team demonstrated experience and poise, adding 4 medals — 2 gold and 2 silver — to complete a balanced and dominant championship showing.
A few athletes just missed out on podium finishes with fifth-place results, further emphasising the strength of Egypt’s judo base.
Official praise
Minister of Youth and Sports, Gohar Nabil, praised the achievement as a testament to the structural growth within Egyptian judo, commending the Egyptian Federation, led by Mohamed Motei, for its strategic planning and support.
Motei, who also serves as the Assistant Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee, highlighted the importance of international exposure and youth development programmes, which are crucial elements driving Egypt’s Olympic aspirations.
Road to Dakar
The African Championship is one of the key qualifying events for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar.
Egypt’s strong performance not only bolstered its qualification prospects but also sent a clear message about its dominance on the continent, indicating a serious intent ahead of the Youth Olympics scheduled in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
