THE Judo Association of Tanzania (JATA) has announced plans to host the National Judo Championships this coming September, with the event serving as a key selection platform for the national team ahead of the Africa Judo Championships scheduled for November.

JATA secretary general Innocent Mallya confirmed the development, noting that the specific dates for the championship will be announced soon.

“We will hold the National Judo Championship in September, and it will be used to select judokas who will represent Tanzania at the Africa Judo Championships later in November,” said Mallya.

Mallya also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the three Tanzanian judokas who competed at the 2025 Africa Open Championships held earlier this month in South Africa.

The trio - Thomas Mwenda (66kg), Hamad Magogo (60kg), and Raphael Daudi (73kg) - represented the country despite stiff competition.

“Although they returned without medals, we are proud of their performance. Thomas Mwenda reached the semifinals, and Raphael Daudi reached the quarterfinals. These are positive signs that judo in Tanzania is progressing,” Mallya said.

The team received sponsorship from the government through the National Sports Council (NSC). 

Omari Mgowe served as the head coach, while Zaidi Hamisi led the delegation.

The athletes were selected from a group of eight judokas who had been undergoing intensive training at the national judo center (Dojo) in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam.

The full training squad included; Raphael Daudi, Thomas Mwenda, Hamad Magogo, Anangisye Pwele, Asiatu Juma, Rahim Kayaga, Musa Kagoma and Abuu Mcheteko.

At last year’s Paris Olympics, Tanzania was represented by Andrew Mlunge, who competed through a Universality ticket. 

He was defeated by French judoka Joan Benjamin Gala with a score of 10-0.