Judo/Congo Cup 2026: Favorites struggle, but one breakout star emerges

The 2026 Congo Judo Cup concluded on October 18 at a gym in Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte. Several favorites were eliminated, including Gédéon Kasota, a bronze medalist at the recent Francophonie Games, as well as Mbata, Bamba, Beny Mantota, and Rey Tichick. Israel Nzange, known as Kebano, was named best athlete after recording 12 wins, including six by ippon. In the team competition, Inawaka won gold ahead of Croix Rouge; the national federation remains under a coordinating body as elections have yet to be held.