Dakar 2026 Judo Matchups Put Young Judoka on Notice

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Judo draw has set the matchups for three days of competition at the Dakar Expo Center’s Pavilion E. From 1 to 3 November, young judoka will compete across eight weight categories as the first Youth Olympic Games on African soil moves closer to its Judo action.

The draw, held on 31 October, brought together International Judo Federation Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Vice-President Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, Senegal Judo Federation president Ababakar Ngom, IJF Sport Director Hedvig Karakas and IJF Referee Director Tina Trstenjak. It marked a key organisational step before the athletes take to the tatami.

Dr Lisa Allan thanked the International Olympic Committee, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegal Judo Federation for their support. She also highlighted a first for the IJF at these Games: gender equality among its staff and officials.

The work of national technical officials and volunteers was also recognised, underlining how much preparation happens away from the contest area. For the competitors, however, the draw makes the challenge immediate: opponents are now known, and every category has a route towards the podium.

The draw has turned Dakar’s Judo countdown into a real competitive challenge.

Sunday 1 November opens the programme with the boys’ -55 kg and -66 kg divisions, alongside the girls’ -44 kg category. On Monday 2 November, the girls’ -52 kg and -63 kg categories will compete with the boys’ -81 kg division.

The final day, Tuesday 3 November, features the girls’ -78 kg category and boys’ -100 kg category. Preliminary contests are scheduled to begin at 10:00 each day on two tatami, before medal contests start at 16:00 on one tatami. All times are local to Dakar.

A full repechage system will keep the bronze-medal race alive for athletes beaten earlier in the day. That format means an initial loss does not always end a judoka’s chance of reaching the podium, adding another layer of pressure and possibility to each category.

For Senegal and Africa, Dakar 2026 carries meaning beyond the results. Ababakar Ngom described the event as a symbol of excellence, solidarity and empowerment for young people, while recognising the combined efforts behind bringing the Games to Senegal.

With the draw complete, the focus now shifts from planning to performance. Three days of youth Judo are ready to begin in Dakar.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation