Arno Yafunga Botay, a 15-year-old judoka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will represent the Refugee Olympic Team at the Dakar 2026 Youth Games. After fleeing his home country in 2017, he trained in judo under his father's guidance and has now qualified for the under-55kg category, marking a historic moment as this is the first time a refugee team will compete at a Youth Olympics.
Yafunga Botay expressed his excitement about the opportunity to represent other refugees and his community. His journey highlights the challenges faced by refugees, including limited resources and support, but also emphasizes the hope and resilience that sports can bring to displaced individuals.
Arno Yafunga Botay's journey to Dakar 2026 exemplifies the transformative power of sports for refugees. As he prepares for competition, watch for how his success could inspire increased support for refugee athletes and promote judo's growth in local communities.