Prior to the first of three days of intense competition in Casablanca, an important refereeing seminar was held. On 22nd January 2026, a high-level referee and coach training session was led by Ababacar Ngom, Head Referee Director of the African Judo Union, Khaled Anwar, AJU Referee Director, and Jean-Claude Djimbi, IJF Referee Supervisor and Olympic referee.

A total of 36 participants, including coaches and referees, took part in this seminar devoted to the recent clarifications of the IJF refereeing rules. Themes included the yuko score, to ensure the application of which would be strict and clearly interpreted, to avoid any inconsistency in combat.

This meeting allowed all present to harmonise their knowledge and practical refereeing, while strengthening common understanding between referees and technical executives, on the eve of three major competitions in the region.

The Casablanca African Junior and Cadets Cups and the Casablanca African Open, 23rd to25th January was set to welcome the participation of referees from several countries, constituting a real sign of neutrality, credibility and quality, consolidating the confidence placed in competitions organised under the auspices of the African Judo Union. This confidence has translated well into a strong global entry.

Casablanca African Junior Cup -81kg medallists from Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, Canada and Great Britain.

Cadets: 150 entries from 26 countries

Juniors: 170 entries from 30 countries

Seniors: 365 entries from 45 countries

Source and photos: African Judo Union

See also