Tanzania’s national judo team is intensifying preparations ahead of the African Judo Championship, set for April 24–25, 2026, in Kenya.
Speaking on April 1, 2026, at the team’s training camp after receiving new equipment and refreshments from key stakeholders, Richard Ndauirukiye, President of the Tanzania Judo Association (JATA), said the team is in excellent form and will depart for Kenya on April 21.
The squad consists of 12 athletes, including eight men from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, alongside talented female judokas.
“Our athletes are fully prepared for these championships. We are grateful to our stakeholders and the National Sports Council for their unwavering support, which enables us to compete at this level,” Ndauirukiye said.
He added that JATA continues to promote judo in schools nationwide to identify and nurture young talent and expand the sport’s reach across the country.
JATA Secretary-General Yohana Jiji highlighted the association’s structured development programs, targeting athletes from primary school through adulthood.
“Our goal is to increase participation, strengthen regional teams, and elevate the standard of judo nationwide,” he said.
Head coach Sensei Omary Mgoye said the team combines experienced and promising athletes who will mentor each other during the championship.
He noted that the competition is a key stepping stone toward qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games.
“We have a team with international experience, and we are confident that their guidance will boost the performance of the younger athletes. We aim to deliver strong results for Tanzania,” Mgoye said.
Team captain Mussa Sheki Kagoma confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly and urged continued support from the public and government.
“With sustained backing, we can achieve our goals and bring pride to our nation,” he said.
Female team member Tabu Sarah encouraged more women to participate in judo, emphasizing that the sport offers significant opportunities and is accessible with dedication and discipline.
“Women can excel in judo. The key is commitment, focus, and discipline,” Sarah said.
