Kenya makes strong showing at African Judo Open in Casablanca
Kenya’s judo team has made a strong start at the African Judo Open 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco, with standout performances in the Cadet category. Rael Kulova claimed gold, while Deborah Neserian took bronze.
The African Judo Open 2025 kicked off on Thursday, January 16, in Casablanca, Morocco, with thrilling competitions across Cadet, Junior, and Senior categories. The event saw participation from 15 countries and a total of 75 competitors - 42 men and 31 women.
The 15 participating countries were divided into three unions: the African Judo Union, with 6 countries; the Judo Union of Asia, with 4 countries; and the European Judo Union, with 5 countries.
More To Read
Kenya’s delegation, comprising six athletes—two men and four women—is led by Shadrack Maluki, President of the Kenya Judo Federation.
In the Cadet Category, Kenya delivered strong performances. Rael Kulova claimed a gold medal in the Under-48kg category, while Deborah Neserian secured a bronze medal in her event, adding to Kenya’s medal haul.
Felix Okoko finished 7th in the Senior Under-66kg category, while Boniface Mukonyi was eliminated in the preliminary rounds of the Under-73kg category. Caroline Sigei, competing in the Under-52kg category, advanced to the quarterfinals but narrowly missed out on a podium finish.
In the Women’s Under-78kg category, Millicent Matende, seeded 6th, represented Kenya with strong determination, though the final results are still awaited.
In a notable achievement off the mat, Shadrack Maluki, NOC-Kenya’s 1st Deputy President and President of the Kenya Judo Federation, was re-elected as Chairman of the African Judo Union. This victory further solidifies Kenya’s leadership role in African Judo.
Top Stories Today
