Fatshimetrie
In the world of judo, the province of South Kivu is full of exceptional and yet often overlooked talents. Judokas from this region, whether they practice judo, jiu-jitsu or other related disciplines, have recently expressed a strong desire to be taken into greater consideration by national sports authorities. On the occasion of World Judoka Day celebrated on October 28, these passionate athletes launched a vibrant appeal to be included in continental and world competitions, deploring the lack of recognition and support from sports leaders.
The president of the provincial judo league of South Kivu, Eddy Dipoka, stressed the importance of promoting this discipline that is often unknown to the general public. Despite the efforts made to supervise many young athletes, judo remains in the shadow of more publicized sports such as football or basketball. Master Murhula Moïse Mandwa Shodan, also known as “four Tolos” and African vice-champion of judo in 2019, spoke about his experience, regretting having been forgotten after his consecration and calling for a fairer recognition of his discipline.
The question of the representativeness of judoka athletes at the national level is crucial. It is essential that these talented athletes are taken into account during selections for national teams, in order to allow judo to shine and flourish fully. The judokas of South Kivu ardently desire that their discipline be treated with as much consideration as more popular sports, and that they finally have the opportunity to show the extent of their skills to a wider audience.
To commemorate World Judoka Day, fierce fights took place on the tatamis, highlighting the talent and determination of the judokas of the region. Local clubs, which have over 500 athletes, play a crucial role in promoting and developing this often underestimated discipline. The calls from the judokas of South Kivu are not only requests for recognition, but also invitations to discover a whole universe of passion, effort and skills, embodied by these dedicated athletes. It is high time that judo is fully integrated into the national sporting landscape, thus providing a platform for these fantastic athletes to reveal themselves to the world.