At the heart of this momentum lies the Dakar Expo Complex, the future official venue for the judo competition during the Youth Olympic Games, set to take place from 1st to 3rd November 2026. These March events though are far more than a rehearsal. They represent a bold statement of intent: Senegal is ready!
Bringing together the Dakar African Cadet Cup, the Dakar Junior African Cup, a senior international open and a special masterclass supported by Olympic Solidarity, the programme reflects both ambition and vision. Leading the masterclass is Axel Clerget, a world and Olympic medallist whose presence symbolises the bridge between experience and emerging talent.
Organised under the leadership of the Senegal Judo Federation, these events combine sporting excellence with strategic preparation. They are not only competition, they are a full-scale test of organisation, governance and international co-operation. For Senegal, this is a defining moment as it prepares to host the first Olympic event ever held on African soil.
Federation President Ababacar Ngom has described this gathering as a major test, not only for Senegal but also for the International Olympic Committee and the International Judo Federation. It is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity.
Over the course of three days, the tatami of Diamniadio is welcoming athletes from across generations. Juniors will open the competition, gaining crucial experience ahead of their continental championships. Cadets, some stepping into their first international event, will follow, embodying the raw energy and promise of youth. Finally, seasoned senior athletes will take centre stage for the 10th edition of the Senegal Open.
Alongside competition, education remains a cornerstone. Before the start of the competition, a refereeing seminar ensured that officials are aligned with the latest standards, while young athletes will benefit from direct guidance during the masterclass led by Axel Clerget and Nicolas Messner. This dual focus on performance and learning reflects the deeper mission of judo: to develop not only champions but individuals.
These days also provide a unique opportunity for all stakeholders involved in Dakar 2026 to come together, collaborate and refine every aspect of the Games. From logistics to athlete experience, every detail matters and every lesson learned now will shape the success of November’s events.
For Larisa Kiss, IJF Director for Olympic Games and Olympic Movement for Judo, this initiative is both practical and symbolic. "With no official test event planned, these competitions offer a rare chance to evaluate real conditions, in the eventual venue, with some of the real teams who will deliver the Games."
She highlights the importance of understanding what works, identifying areas for improvement and building strong relationships along the way. "The collaboration between international experts and local organisers is not just technical, it is human. It is about trust, shared ambition and a common belief in the power of sport."
Her optimism is clear, "The energy in Senegal is unique, the passion for judo is tangible, and the commitment to making Dakar 2026 a success is unwavering."
Larisa Kiss is accompanied in Dakar by a team of IJF experts to help the organisers to deliver a great event. This team includes: Estony Pridgeon, IJF Governance and Strategy Director, Loretta Doyle, Dakar 2026 YOG Manager, Elisabetta Fratini and Ziad Maafi from the IT department, Nusa Lampe from the education team and Nicolas Messner, IJF Media Director.
This spirit is echoed by Loretta Doyle, who sees these efforts as part of a much larger journey. Developing judo across all nations means creating equal opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers alike. "Events like these offer emerging nations a platform to grow, to learn and to believe. For many young athletes, it is a first step beyond their borders; first taste of international competition; a first glimpse of what is possible.
The Youth Olympic Games represent a starting point, a place where potential meets opportunity. Here, experience may be limited but determination is not. These young judoka arrive with hunger, with fire, with dreams and through initiatives like the IJF Academy and international collaboration, they are given the tools to turn those dreams into reality."
Dakar 2026 is more than a sporting event. It is a milestone for a continent, a symbol of progress, inclusion and possibility.
Through judo, Senegal is not only preparing to host the world, it is helping to shape its future. From the tatami in Dakar, a new generation is rising and with it comes a powerful message: the Olympic and the judo spirits belongs to everyone, everywhere.
As the countdown continues, one thing is certain, Dakar is ready to inspire the world.