Morocco Shines at the African Judo Open Tournament
Morocco’s senior national team claimed 11 medals (1 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze) on the final day of the African International Open Judo Tournament for cadets, juniors, and seniors. The event took place at the indoor hall of Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca from January 16 to 19.
The sole gold medal was won by Ahmed Alaoui Cherifi in the under 66 kg category. The silver medals went to Abou El Fida Moubarak Boulaich (-66 kg), Hassan Dakali (-73 kg), Hicham Benyahya (-100 kg) for the men, and Aziza Chkir (-48 kg), Soumaya Iraoui (-52 kg), and Fatima-Zahra Chkir (-78 kg) for the women.
Bronze medals were secured by Nouh Lahmouri (-73 kg) and Amine Yassif (-81 kg) for the men, as well as Nihad Erraiyadi (-48 kg) and Jehan Elhamat (-78 kg) for the women.
Despite these achievements, the senior national team finished fourth overall. The tournament’s title was claimed by the UAE team with three gold medals, followed by Cameroon (2 gold, 2 silver) and India (2 gold, 1 silver).
Morocco’s junior team dominated the medal tally with a total of 29 medals (8 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze), surpassing Tunisia (4 medals: 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze) and Senegal (1 gold, 1 silver).
The cadets’ team also excelled, securing first place with 24 medals (6 gold, 12 silver, and 6 bronze). Tunisia came second (2 gold, 1 bronze), followed by Kuwait with 9 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze).
Organized under the auspices of the Royal Moroccan Judo Federation and held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the tournament brought together 304 participants (186 men and 118 women) from 34 countries.
Abdelwahad Echanti, Vice-President of the Federation, highlighted that this competition provided young Moroccan judokas with invaluable experience ahead of upcoming continental and international events, including the Olympic Games.
He also expressed pride in the event’s organization and the competitive atmosphere, reaffirming Morocco’s leadership in hosting major international sporting events.
