The triple Olympic judo champion and his 11 world champion titles, the Frenchman Teddy Riner, honored the OCOG Dakar 2026 of which he was the guest last Sunday at the premises of Eden Rock, headquarters.
For the occasion, it was almost a red carpet that was laid out for the global star of judo as if to magnify his performances at the world and Olympic level on all the mats around the world. The French colossus, worthy successor of another great champion David Douillet, was received by the president of the COJOG Dakar 2026, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye who was surrounded by his staff including Ibrahima Wade general coordinator, Balla Dièye sports director and Abdoulaye Kanouté director of communication.
During a meeting, this world sporting legend and sacred judo monster wanted to share his experience and soak up the best in the practice of judo in Senegal. In any case, President Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye was delighted to welcome such a champion.
“We are happy to welcome someone who carries the Olympic flag at the highest level. We would like you to be by our side, not only for your sport but for all young people. This is your home, your office, your family. In any case, know that I have enormous admiration for what you do,” said Mamadou Diagne Ndiaye.
This pleasure was shared since the triple Olympic gold medalist discussed a lot, the development and practice of judo in Senegal, with the boss of the Senegalese Olympics.
“It’s always a pleasure to serve the sport because of my origins and my status. I know that the Youth Olympic Games are a big event. It’s an Olympic event like the Olympic Games and it’s an event for which everyone must put their all into it,” underlined Teddy Riner for his part.
This meeting, which also took place in the presence of Mr. Ababacar Ngom, president of the Senegalese judo federation, was an opportunity for the latter to discuss at length with the French host on avenues of reflection relating to the development of discipline in Senegal.
Thus, three major federal projects were presented to the Olympic champion and which revolve around the opening of an African judo center in Diamniadio, the consolidation of the judo program at school via the National Judo Academy of the Lycée Lamine Guéye and the creation of a dojo integrated into an agricultural farm to support peace in Casamance (Judo for Peace).
A program for which Teddy Riner joined and expressed his enthusiastic support, while committing to supporting the Federation in the implementation of these initiatives
