The Tanzania National Judo Team has officially received the national flag ahead of the African Judo Championships scheduled for April 24 and 25, 2026, in Kenya, as the country rallies behind the squad with high expectations of success.
The flag handover ceremony took place on April 21 in Dar es Salaam, where the National Sports Council (NSC) senior sports officer, Charles Maguzu, representing Executive Director Neema Msitha, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and competitive strength.
Maguzu said the team carries the hopes of more than 60 million Tanzanians, urging the athletes to compete with discipline, patriotism, and determination as they represent the nation on the continental stage.
“This flag is a symbol of our nation. Go and defend it through your performance by winning your matches and representing Tanzania with pride,” said Maguzu.
He added that the government and sports stakeholders believe in the team’s ability to perform well, emphasizing the importance of focus and commitment throughout the tournament.
“The entire nation is behind you. You have a responsibility to make Tanzania proud. Compete with courage and return home with medals,” he said.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) Director General, Salim Msangi, also attended the event, describing the team’s selection as a significant national honor and a moment of pride for the country.
Msangi stressed that success in international competitions is not only about participation, but about discipline, preparation, and the determination to win.
“Going to compete is not just about showing up. It is about returning with results. Tanzanians are supporting you and praying for your success,” he said.
He further assured continued institutional support for sports development, noting that cooperation between public institutions and sports federations plays a key role in strengthening national teams for international competitions.
“We will continue supporting sports in Tanzania so that our teams are well prepared and competitive at international level,” he added.
Speaking during the same event, Tanzania Judo Association (JATA) Chairman Richard Ndauirukiye said the team comprises 10 members, including seven athletes and three officials, and confirmed that preparations have been completed despite a few financial challenges.
He acknowledged an outstanding debt of 1,600 US dollars owed to the African Judo Federation, but said efforts are underway to settle it to ensure smooth participation in the championship.
“We are working hard to clear the outstanding debt so that the team can compete without any administrative challenges,” he said.
Ndauirukiye expressed gratitude to the National Sports Council for covering travel costs and allowances, as well as to TCAA for supporting accommodation, saying the assistance has significantly boosted team morale.
“The support we have received has strengthened the spirit of the team. We believe our athletes are well prepared to perform strongly and bring honor to the country,” he said.
The African Judo Championships in Kenya are expected to attract top athletes from across the continent, providing Tanzania with an important platform to measure its progress and competitiveness in the sport.
With strong institutional backing, improved preparations, and national support, the Tanzania Judo Team now travels to Kenya carrying the hopes of a nation eager for continental success and medals.
