Dakar, the capital of Senegal, hosted, from Thursday November 21 to Sunday November 24, 2024, three judo competitions, namely the African Junior and Cadet Judo Cup and the ninth edition of the Dakar Open for seniors. The Red Devils, who returned to international competitions, after the lifting of the suspension of Congo, which lasted almost 9 years, by the Fij (International Judo Federation) and the Uaj (African Judo Union), returned with an encouraging harvest: 9 medals including 2 gold and 7 bronze.
In total, 13 countries participated in the African Judo Cup, in the three senior, junior and cadet categories), in both men’s and women’s versions. Congo occupied 4th place, obtaining 9 medals including 2 gold.
The first gold medal was obtained by Amour Gédéon Ibara Okombi in juniors, in the -66kg category, beating the Ivorian Ousmane Ouattara in the final. The second gold medal came from Alberto Kem’s Bokandji in senior, in the +100kg category. He beat the reigning African champion, Cameroonian Bangui.
The seven bronze medals came to us in cadets and juniors. Despite the difficulties encountered in preparation, due to lack of logistics, the Congolese judokas showed an appreciable technical level, recognized the president of Fécojud-Aa (Congolese Federation of Judo and associated disciplines) Neyl Francis Atta Assiokara, in these terms :
“After more than ten years of absence on the international scene, today the Congo returns with efficiency, enthusiasm and courage. I’m very proud, because we leave here with our heads held high and I can say: mission accomplished for a warrior who goes on a mission. The results speak for themselves, with the medals won. It is truly a pride and an honor that the Congolese judokas have done to the people and their State, because the national anthem rang out here in Senegal. Here we are on the podium, after several years where Congo no longer made the podium. I congratulate the technical staff who gave their body and soul to prepare the athletes and I thank the authorities of our country. The harvest is here, it’s up to them to encourage the athletes who had the honor of hoisting the Congolese flag very high. To the Ambassador of Congo to Senegal, we say thank you, because he supported us a lot; he encouraged the athletes, it goes straight to our hearts. To the Senegalese people, thank you for your welcome and hats off to the organization.”
AND BAKELA
