A total of 15 referees attended a course in Egypt ©African Judo Union

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has highlighted the efforts of Cameroon, Egypt and Senegal to develop the sport in Africa.

The three African nations have staged two continental tournaments and three refereeing seminars in recent weeks.

Egyptian capital Cairo held a seminar at the end of October that aimed to develop the skills of female referees.

A total of 15 referees participated in the course run by Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Egyptian Judo Federation, where they got the chance to enhance their theoretical and practical understanding.

Dakar in Senegal also held an educational event for referees at the start of this month.

IJF head referee director Juan Carlos Barcos led a refereeing seminar in Senegal ©African Judo Union
IJF head referee director Juan Carlos Barcos led a refereeing seminar in Senegal ©African Judo Union

Juan Carlos Barcos, head referee director for the IJF, led the seminar that focused on in-depth interpretation of the rules for the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle.

This was followed by a competition which featured judoka from 26 nations.

Yaoundé in Cameron also staged a continental tournament which included categories for juniors and cadets.

A total of 22 referees attended a seminar prior to officiating at the event.

"From Egypt to Senegal and Cameroon, we are shown that Africa is focusing a great deal of energy on promoting women and the youth while also continuing to climb towards the elite level on the competition tatami," a statement from the IJF read.