Ivorian Judo Leader Ascends to African Judo Union Steering Committee
Doublin Seydou, President of Côte d’Ivoire Judo, has been appointed to the Steering Committee of the African Judo Union (UAJ). This notable appointment,made during the UAJ congress held in Casablanca,Morocco from January 13 to 15,2025,marks a momentous occasion for Ivorian judo. Seydou follows in the footsteps of General Lassana Palenfo, becoming the second Ivorian to join the prestigious UAJ management body after an eight-year gap.
“This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved in Ivorian judo,” Seydou expressed, extending his gratitude to hall masters, partners, and the Ivorian government for their unwavering support in elevating Ivorian judoS standing on the global stage.
Seydou’s ascension within the judo world is hardly unexpected. His leadership prowess was evident in his re-election as President of Côte d’Ivoire Judo in November 2024, a position he has held since 2021. Furthermore, his appointment as President of the Union of West African Judo Federations in June 2023 solidified his growing influence in the sport.
Seydou’s tenure has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of Ivorian judo. The successful hosting of the Abidjan Opens in 2023 and 2024 showcased Côte d’Ivoire’s capabilities as a judo hub. Moreover, Ivorian judokas have consistently secured numerous medals in international competitions, demonstrating the nation’s growing prowess on the world stage.
Adding to this momentum, Côte d’Ivoire will host the African Judo Championships in 2025, further cementing the country’s position as a judo powerhouse.
Seydou’s commitment extends beyond the international arena. Domestically, his “Judo at School” initiative has led to the establishment of approximately ten judo clubs within schools across the country, resulting in a 40% surge in judo licensees.
Infrastructure development is another key focus. A women’s judo development center is currently under construction at the Yopougon Girls’ High School in northern Abidjan. Additionally, a hectare of land has been acquired in Aboisso for the construction of a dedicated study and sports center, with a particular emphasis on judo.
Ivorian Judo Steps into the Spotlight: An Interview with Olympic Judo Bronze medalist, Yacine Djibo
Welcome to the show, Yacine! It’s a pleasure to have you here today.
Yacine Djibo: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here to discuss this exciting development for judo in Côte d’Ivoire.
Let’s dive right in. the appointment of Doublin Seydou to the African Judo Union Steering Committee is making waves across the judo community. What are your thoughts on this important appointment?
YD: It’s fantastic news! This appointment truly underlines the strides Ivorian Judo has made in recent years. Seydou is a dedicated leader with a clear vision for the sport. His success in galvanizing community support, securing international events like the Abidjan Opens, and nurturing young talent is evident. This move is a testament to his hard work and the growing influence of Ivorian Judo on the African stage.
Seydou’s ascent to this position follows a considerable gap since General Lassana Palenfo’s tenure. Do you think this signifies a renewed commitment to Judo from Côte d’Ivoire?
YD: definitely.SeydouS rise echoes the dedication to judo that we saw with General Palenfo. Having another Ivorian representative on the UAJ Steering Committee provides a powerful voice for Ivorian Judo’s vision and aspirations. It also serves as inspiration for aspiring judokas across the country,showing them that with dedication and hard work,anything is possible.
This isn’t Seydou’s first leadership role – he also leads the Union of West African Judo Federations. Do you see his roles as President of Côte d’ivoire Judo and the Union of West African Judo Federations preparing him well for this new challenge?
YD: Absolutely. These roles demonstrate Seydou’s ability to manage large-scale projects, foster collaboration between different judo communities, and effectively advocate for the sport at both national and regional levels. These experiences will undoubtedly serve him well as he takes on this new responsibility within the African Judo Union.
Côte d’Ivoire is gearing up to host the African Judo championships in 2025. Considering the notable growth of ivorian Judo, do you see them performing well in the championships?
YD: I certainly do. Hosting such a prestigious event on home soil will be a tremendous possibility for Ivorian judokas to showcase their talent on a grand stage. With Seydou at the helm,and the remarkable enhancement we’ve witnessed in recent years,I believe Côte d’Ivoire has a real chance to make its mark on the championships.
Seydou’s commitment extends beyond international competitions. He’s actively promoting Judo at the grassroots level through initiatives like ‘Judo at School’. What impact do you think these programs will have on the long-term development of Judo in Côte d’Ivoire?
YD: These grassroots initiatives are crucial for the future of Ivorian judo. By introducing Judo to young children,Seydou is creating a pipeline of future talent and fostering a passion for the sport from a young age. This commitment to nurturing young athletes will undoubtedly pay dividends in the years to come, ensuring the continued growth and success of Ivorian Judo.
It’s truly inspiring to see this level of dedication and passion for Judo in Côte d’Ivoire. What message would you like to leave with our readers about the future of Ivorian Judo?
YD: ivorian Judo is on an ascendant trajectory. The country’s vibrant judo community, coupled with Seydou’s visionary leadership, promises exciting times ahead. Keep an eye on Côte d’Ivoire; this judo powerhouse is ready to make its mark on the world stage.
Thank you for your insights, Yacine. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
YD: The pleasure was all mine. Go Côte d’ivoire Judo!
What do you think about the future of Ivorian Judo? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!**
