Tributes and awards were made in Morocco to mark the 60th anniversary of the African Judo Union ©AJU

Officials past and present came together in Morocco to mark the 60th anniversary of the African Judo Union (AJU).

A celebration and award ceremony in Casablanaca was set in motion by Chafik El Kettani, President of the Royal Moroccan Judo Federation, Mohamed Meridja, the first vice-president of the AJU, and Vlad Marinescu, director general of the International Judo Federation (IJF).

Also involved in an emotional and historic evening were Lassana Palenfo, who chaired the AJU from 1990 until 2016, Habib Sissoko, who succeeded him until 2021, and Siteny Randrianasolo-Niaiko, the current President.

Meridja highlighted the huge progress the AJU had made in terms of developing and popularising judo at continental level since its establishment.

Meridja, also the IJF’s Director of Education and Coaching, recalled the first African Olympic medal in judo which was earned by Egypt's Mohamed Ali Rashwan, a silver in the open category at Los Angeles 1984. 

Lisa Allan, the IJF secretary general, accepts an award on behalf of IJF President Marius Vizer from Mohamed Meridja, the first vice-president of the African Judo Union, at the latter organisation's 60th anniversary ceremony ©IJF
Lisa Allan, the IJF secretary general, accepts an award on behalf of IJF President Marius Vizer from Mohamed Meridja, the first vice-president of the African Judo Union, at the latter organisation's 60th anniversary ceremony ©IJF

Meridja went on to speak of other subsequent African medal successes at global level which reflected the work and efforts made by those who had worked at the AJU, to whom he paid tribute.

He added that the legacy bequeathed constitutes a real source of inspiration for aspiring African youth.

Meridja also paid tribute to the continuing support that had been received by the AJU from the IJF President Marius Vizer, who was represented at this occasion by Lisa Allan, the IJF secretary general.

Allan received an award for Vizer from the AJU in recognition of "his outstanding services and contribution to the development of judo in Africa."

El Kettani warmly welcomed the guests and paid his own heartfelt tribute to those who had worked to make the AJU the institution it now is.

Former African Judo Union President Lassana Palenfo, right, who led the organisation for 26 years until 2016, was among those honoured by the dinner in Casablanca ©AJU
Former African Judo Union President Lassana Palenfo, right, who led the organisation for 26 years until 2016, was among those honoured by the dinner in Casablanca ©AJU

The IJF presented a commemorative plaque to the Royal Moroccan Judo Federation for its exceptional involvement in the promotion of judo on the local territory, in Africa and also in the world.

There were awards too for many of the linchpins of the AJU -  Palenfo, Sissoko, former AJU general secretary Omar Danga-Loum and former treasurers Andre Angwe Aboughe and Hedi Mhirsi.

Also honoured were El Kettani, Algeria's former judoka Hifri Ahmed and Senegal's Olympic referee Heydou Nourou Toure.