Moroccan Judo Triumphs at African Championship with Gold and Silver Medals

Rabat – Moroccan judo made a spectacular start on the opening day of the 44th edition of the African Judo Championship “Senior” held in Casablanca, Morocco. The event, organized by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Judo and Similar Martial Arts under the esteemed patronage of King Mohammed VI, saw Moroccan athletes secure a gold medal and two silver medals.

In an attention-grabbing display of skill and determination, Moroccan champion Soumaya Iraoui clinched the gold medal in the women’s -52kg category. She emerged victorious in a nail-biting final against Algeria’s Aichine Faiza, scoring an Ippon during the Golden Score to secure her status as the African champion.

Abderrahmane Bouchita, another Moroccan judo talent, demonstrated his prowess in the -66kg category but narrowly missed out on the gold, settling for a well-deserved silver medal. Bouchita displayed exceptional sportsmanship throughout the competition, ultimately losing in the final to Egypt’s Mohamed Abdel Mawgoud.

Aziza Chakir, yet another Moroccan sensation, exhibited her skills in the -48kg category and clinched the silver medal. Despite her valiant efforts, Chakir was bested in the final by Tunisia’s Bedaoui Omaima.

With this impressive performance, Morocco secured the second spot on the medal table, while Egypt led the rankings with four medals, including two golds, one silver, and one bronze.

A source from the Royal Moroccan Federation of Judo and Similar Martial Arts revealed that this year’s championship saw the participation of over 250 athletes representing approximately forty countries, making it a truly international event.

The director of the 44th African Judo Championship, Orabi Jamali, explained that this edition holds special significance as it commemorates the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the African Judo Federation. Moreover, he argued, this year’s event served as a crucial platform for athletes to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games, scheduled for the summer of 2024 in Paris.

Jamali emphasized that this event underscores Morocco’s growing influence and recognition in the world of sports, further solidifying its reputation as a competent and capable host for major sporting events. He pointed out the significant turnout of athletes from across the African continent, demonstrating Morocco’s stature in the sports world.