Algeria Reigns Supreme at 2026 African Judo Championships in Nairobi

Algeria has unequivocally affirmed its dominance in African judo, with both its national men's and women's teams clinching the 2026 African Judo Championships titles in Nairobi. This remarkable achievement, which saw the Algerian contingent lead the overall medal standings from start to finish, is a source of immense national pride. Our athletes showcased exceptional skill and determination, earning a total of nine medals – four gold, one silver, and four bronze – solidifying Algeria's position as the continent's judo powerhouse.

The individual gold medalists, including Yasmine Djellab (-63kg women), Kais Moudthir (-66kg men), Driss Messaoud (-73kg men), and Mohamed El Mahdi Lili (+100kg men), have etched their names in the annals of Algerian sports history. Their victories, alongside the silver and bronze medalists, represent the culmination of years of dedication and rigorous training. This success is not merely a collection of medals; it is a testament to the robust development of judo within Algeria and the unwavering support for our athletes.

While the overall performance is cause for celebration, El Watan acknowledges that there remains room for growth. Out of the 18 judokas who represented Algeria, nine did not secure a medal, finishing between fifth and ninth place. This indicates that while our top athletes are indeed the benchmark on the continent, there is still potential to broaden the base of our success and ensure even wider representation in future international competitions. Nevertheless, the resounding victory in Nairobi is a clear signal to the world: Algerian judo is at the forefront of the sport in Africa.