Moroccan Judo Wins Gold and Two Silvers at 2026 Mediterranean Games

Morocco's national judo team claimed three medals, one gold and two silver, on Friday at the current edition of the 2026 Mediterranean Games held in the Italian city of Taranto, adding a new achievement to Moroccan sport's tally at this continental competition.

Medal details

Judoka Ahmed Alaoui Cherifi won the gold medal in the men's under-60kg category, defeating Spain's Luis Barroso Lopez by ippon in the final.

Judoka Soumiya Iraoui took silver in the women's under-52kg category, after losing the final to Cyprus's Sofia Asvesta.

Judoka Hassan Doukkali also won silver, in the men's under-73kg category, following a final defeat to Algeria's Messaoud Redouane Driss.

Context and Mediterranean competition

The Mediterranean Games bring together national teams from Mediterranean basin countries across multiple sports. Judo is among the events Morocco is counting on to boost its medal tally at this edition, after boxer Saida Lahmidi had already won gold in the women's under-70kg category at the same edition, a sign of the Moroccan delegation's strong performance in Taranto.

Why this achievement matters

These results reflect the continued progress of Morocco's judo school, which has produced a generation of athletes capable of competing at continental and international level in recent years. Such competitions also serve as an important preparation stage for the national judo team ahead of upcoming major sporting events, as Moroccan sport seeks to strengthen its presence in continental and international competitions.