Rabat – The Moroccan junior judo team made on January 16 a remarkable statement on the first day of the Open International African Judo Championship, which began on January 16, claiming a total of 8 gold medals.
Held at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, the tournament saw the Moroccan athletes shine, with both men and women excelling across various categories.
In the men’s competition, Morocco’s gold medalists included Ahmed Alaoui Chrifi (-60 kg), Aniss Ijioui (-66 kg), Nouh Lahmouri (-73 kg), and Amine El Azzouzi (-100 kg). Each delivered powerful performances, securing their spots at the top of the podium.
On the women’s side, gold medals went to Meriem El Maakoul (-48 kg), Amina Alaoui Chrifi (-52 kg), Malak Lakhal (-78 kg), and Taouab Aboulizza (+78 kg), making a clean sweep in their respective divisions.
This impressive achievement showcases Morocco’s rising dominance in judo, clearly reflecting the team’s strength in the sport across Africa. With 8 gold medals out of a total of 29 (8 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze), Morocco is firmly establishing itself as a powerhouse in African judo.
The Open International African Judo Championship, which runs until January 19, aims to promote the sport across the continent while strengthening sporting ties between nations. The event has drawn 304 participants, including 186 men and 118 women, from 34 countries, showcasing the event’s international reach.
As the competition continues, the Moroccan team will look to extend their success, with cadet and senior events set to take place later in the week. With such an impressive start, Morocco is certainly one to watch in the coming days.
