The Algerian Judo team has been performing exceptionally well in recent years, producing some of the best judo players in the world.
The country’s judo program has been steadily improving since its inception in the early 1980s, and Algerian judokas have won numerous medals at international championships.
The country is home to some of the most accomplished judo players in the world, including Olympic medalists and world champions such as Nouria Benida, Adlan Miftahudin, Mounir Benaissa, and Mouloud Noura.
These judokas have achieved remarkable success in the sport, and they continue to serve as an inspiration to the next generation of judo players.
1. Soraya Haddad
Soraya Haddad is an Algerian judoka and a highly successful athlete. She has achieved many accolades during her career, most notably a bronze medal in the -52 kg weight class at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
This feat has made her a celebrated athlete in her native Algeria. In addition to her Olympic success, Soraya Haddad has won the African championship five times, in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2012.
She also earned a bronze medal in the -48 kg category in the 2005 World Championships in Egypt. This has made her one of the most decorated judokas in the world. Her accomplishments have earned her a great deal of respect from her peers and fans.
She is a role model for aspiring judokas in Algeria and around the world. Her success has helped to popularize judo in Algeria and encourage more people to take up the sport. Soraya Haddad is an inspiration to many and a symbol of excellence in judo.
Her remarkable achievements have firmly established her as one of the greatest judokas in the world.
2. Amar Benikhlef
Amar Benikhlef is a prominent Algerian judoka who has competed in the middleweight division. He achieved great success in 2008 by winning the silver medal at the Beijing Summer Olympics.
However, in September 2021, he was issued a ten-year suspension from the sport, which will last until July 2031. This suspension was likely due to a violation of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Rules on doping or another similar offense.
This suspension will undoubtedly be a major setback to Benikhlef’s career, as he will not be able to compete for a decade. It also serves as a warning to other judokas to not take any shortcuts when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs or other prohibited substances.
In the end, Benikhlef’s suspension is a reminder of how seriously the IJF takes its rules and regulations.
3. Fethi Nourine
Fethi Nourine is an Algerian judoka, renowned for competing in the under 73 kg weight category and winning three African Judo Championships.
Recently, however, he was suspended by the International Judo Federation (IJF) until July 2031 for refusing to fight an Israeli athlete in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
This decision was based on a violation of the IJF’s policy of fair play between athletes, and it has sparked widespread controversy and debate. Nourine’s refusal to fight the Israeli athlete was in protest against the country’s treatment of Palestinians.
Many viewed his stance as a brave and honorable act of civil disobedience, while others saw it as a violation of international law and sportsmanship.
Supporters of Nourine have argued that his suspension was an unfair punishment that failed to take into account his political beliefs.
Conversely, those who oppose his stance have argued that his refusal to fight was a sign of disrespect for his opponent and a violation of the International Olympic Committee’s rules of fair play. The debate surrounding Nourine’s suspension has highlighted the complicated relationship between politics and sports.
While athletes are expected to abide by certain rules, they also have the right to express their own opinions and beliefs.
The IJF’s decision to suspend Nourine until 2031 serves as a reminder that adhering to the principles of fair play and sportsmanship are essential for athletes to remain competitive in the Olympic Games.
4. Abdel Hakim Harkat
Abdel Hakim Harkat is an Algerian judoka who has a long history of competing at the Olympics. He first competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where he participated in the judo events.
He was also part of the Algerian team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, again competing in judo. Clearly, Harkat is a very experienced judoka, having competed in two Olympic Games.
He has certainly done his country proud by representing Algeria in the Olympics and showing his skill in judo.
5. Khaled Meddah
Khaled Meddah is an Algerian judoka, a martial art that originated in Japan. Meddah is a well-known figure in the world of judo, having achieved success in both international and regional competitions.
He is a four-time Algerian champion and has represented his country at the Olympic Games on multiple occasions. He has also won gold medals at the African Championships, the All-Africa Games, and the World Judo Championships.
He is widely regarded as one of the best judoka from North Africa and has been a role model for aspiring athletes in Algeria. Meddah has trained and coached many judokas, helping them to reach their goals.
He has also served as an ambassador for Algeria, promoting the sport of judo and representing the country at international events.
6. Yamina Halata
Yamina Halata is an Algerian judoka who has achieved great success in her sport. She has won a silver medal at the African Games and a gold medal at the 2022 African Judo Championships held in her home country of Algeria.
This is an impressive feat considering the high level of competition that exists in the African judo circuit. Halata has achieved success through hard work and dedication to her sport.
She is an inspiration to other athletes, and her accomplishments serve as a reminder of what is possible when you have the drive and determination to reach your goals.
7. Mounir Benamadi
Mounir Benamadi is an Algerian judoka who competes in the half-lightweight division. He has had several successes in his career, including a gold medal at the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algiers.
This was a significant achievement for Benamadi, as the tournament was held in his native country of Algeria. Following this success, he went on to win a silver medal at the 2008 African Judo Championships in Agadir, Morocco.
This further demonstrates his skill and dedication to the sport, as competing at a high level requires an immense amount of time and effort. His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of judo.
8. Wail Ezzine
Wail Ezzine is an Algerian judoka who has competed in a variety of competitions throughout his career. He recently competed at the 2021 World Judo Championships in the -66 kg event, where he is sure to have put forth his best efforts.
Additionally, he was successful in the 2019 African Games, where he won the gold medal in the -66 kg event. At the 2021 African Judo Championships held in Dakar, Senegal, he won the silver medal in the men’s 66 kg event.
This is a testament to his dedication and hard work, as he has consistently put forth his best efforts and has been rewarded for it. Ezzine is sure to continue to compete in judo competitions in the future and will no doubt be successful in doing so.
9. Sonia Asselah
Sonia Asselah is an Algerian judoka who has competed in multiple Olympic events. In 2012, she competed in the Summer Olympics but was eliminated in the first round by Karina Bryant.
Asselah went on to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics, at which she was the Algerian flag bearer. Most recently, in 2021, Asselah competed at the African Judo Championships in Dakar, Senegal, where she won the silver medal in her event.
This was a remarkable achievement, as it demonstrated her tenacity and dedication to the sport. Asselah is a role model to aspiring judokas, showing that hard work and determination can lead to success.
Her success story is an inspiration to all athletes, reminding them of the importance of perseverance and dedication.
10. Abderrahmane Benamadi
Abderahmane Benamadi is a renowned Algerian judoka or practitioner of the martial art known as judo. He is highly respected in the judo world and is one of the top athletes in his country.
Benamadi began his judo career early on in life, and his hard work, dedication and passion for the sport has earned him tremendous success. He has won numerous medals and championships, at both the national and international level.
He is also a member of the Algerian National Team and has represented his country in several international judo events. Benamadi’s commitment to judo has also earned him the admiration of his peers and fans alike.
He is an inspiration to aspiring judokas and serves as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
11. Amine Boushaki
Amine Iben El Boushaki is an Algerian athlete who specializes in the sport of judo. She is a highly decorated competitor, having won numerous medals in international competitions.
As a member of the Algerian national judo team, she has competed in the African Games, the Mediterranean Games, and the World Judo Championships.El Boushaki has earned a bronze medal at the African Games in 2015 and a silver medal at the Mediterranean Games in 2019.
She also won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Judo Championships in Budapest. Her success at the international level has earned her recognition as one of Algeria’s top judo athletes. El Boushaki is an important figure in the Algerian judo community.
She has used her platform to motivate other athletes and encourage them to pursue their goals.
She is also involved with the Algerian Judo Federation, helping to create a strong foundation for the sport in her country. El Boushaki is an inspiring figure in Algerian judo and is well-respected amongst her peers.
Her hard work and dedication to the sport have earned her numerous accolades, and she continues to strive for excellence in her sport.
12. Houd Zourdani
Houd Zourdani is an Algerian judoka, a practitioner of the martial art of judo. He achieved incredible success in 2015 when he won a gold medal at the African Judo Championships.
This was a remarkable accomplishment and it set him up for his next challenge, competing at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At the Olympics, he competed in the men’s 66 kg category, where he faced off against world-class judokas from all over the globe.
Despite the tough competition, Zourdani was able to make it to the end, showing that he is truly a master of his craft.
13. Mohamed Bouaichaoui
Mohamed Bouaichaoui is an Algerian athlete who competes in the sport of judo. He is currently the reigning African champion in his weight class and has been competing in international judo competitions since 2010.
His most successful international result was a bronze medal at the 2014 Islamic Solidarity Games. In 2016, he won gold at the African Judo Championships and went on to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He has also competed in numerous Grand Prix, Continental Open and Masters events, earning a number of medals along the way. Bouaichaoui has been praised for his dedication to the sport and his willingness to put everything on the line in order to achieve success.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring judokas and has made a lasting impact on the Algerian judo community.
14. Kamel Larbi
Kamel Larbi is an Algerian judoka, a martial art that is based on the principles of jiu-jitsu. He has achieved a great level of success in his judo career, having competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
He took part in the men’s heavyweight event, where he competed against judokas from around the world. He showed great skill and strength during the competition, and he was able to perform at a high level, despite the intense competition.
His success in judo has allowed him to gain recognition and respect in his home country of Algeria, where the sport is highly popular.
He is an inspiration to up-and-coming judokas in the country, showing them that anything is possible if you put in the hard work and dedication.
15. Lyes Cherifi
Lyes Cherifi is an Algerian judoka, a Japanese martial art based on grappling techniques. He is a highly accomplished athlete, having competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in the men’s half-middleweight event.
The event is a weight class in judo that falls between the middleweight and the light-heavyweight categories.
In the event, competitors must be no heavier than 81 kilograms and no lighter than 73 kilograms. At the 1996 Olympics, Cherifi was one of a select few to compete in the event. His experience and accomplishments at the event placed him among the top judoka in the world.
Since then, Cherifi has gone on to become one of the most successful Algerian judokas. He currently holds several titles and is a national hero in his home country. He continues to compete and promote judo internationally, inspiring generations of judoka to come.
16. Ali Idir
Ali Idir is a famous Algerian judoka. He is highly respected in the judo community for his achievements in the sport. Idir competed in the men’s extra-lightweight event at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
This was a great achievement for Idir as he was able to compete against some of the best judoka in the world. Idir was able to demonstrate his skills and prove himself on the international stage.
His performance was highly praised by both his fellow judoka and the judo community in general. Idir’s performance was a great source of pride for his country and he was a great ambassador for the sport of Judo.
Idir’s success at the Olympics has inspired many Algerian judoka to pursue their dreams and strive for success in the sport.
17. Boualem Miloudi
Boualem Miloudi is an Algerian judoka who represented his country in the 1988 Summer Olympics. As a judoka, he competed in the men’s heavyweight event.
He was one of many athletes from Algeria to compete in the event, with others including Farid Cheriguene, Hocine Zourgui and Meftah Rahouadj. Miloudi had an impressive career as a judoka, having won several medals throughout his competitive career.
In 1985, he won a bronze medal in the African Championships and then went on to take the gold medal in the 1987 African Championships.
He also won a bronze medal in the 1987 Mediterranean Games, and a bronze medal in the World Championships the same year. He was one of Algeria’s best judokas and had a lot of hopes pinned on him for the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Unfortunately, he was unable to land any medals in the men’s heavyweight event, but he still put up a good fight.
He was able to make it to the quarter-finals of the event but was eventually knocked out by the eventual gold medalist, Kim Jae-Yup of South Korea. Miloudi’s participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics was an important event in his career and was also an important moment in Algerian sports.
His participation in the event showed that Algeria was capable of fielding high-quality athletes and showcased the country’s commitment to the Olympic spirit.
18. Ahmed Moussa
Ahmed Moussa is an Algerian judoka who has achieved immense success in his field. He is best known for his performance at the 1980 Summer Olympics, where he competed in the men’s extra-lightweight event.
He was one of the few Algerian athletes to participate in the Olympics and represented his country with pride. Moussa was a great judoka who trained rigorously in order to compete at the highest level.
He was a highly skilled fighter and had a great deal of success in various international tournaments. His dedication and hard work paid off and he was able to qualify for the 1980 Summer Olympics.
He was determined to make his country proud and focused on doing his best in the competition. At the Olympics, Moussa performed admirably. He was able to make it through the preliminary rounds and reach the final.
Unfortunately, he was not able to win a medal but he was still proud of his achievement. He had put in a great deal of effort and achieved a great deal of success in the sport. Moussa is a great example of commitment and dedication to a sport.
He is an inspiration to any aspiring judoka and his success is a testament to his hard work and determination. He will always be remembered as an Algerian judoka who competed in the men’s extra-lightweight event at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
19. Omar Rebahi
Omar Rebahi is an Algerian judoka or a practitioner of the martial art Judo. He hails from the North African country of Algeria, where Judo is a popular sport.
Rebahi began training in Judo at a young age and has gone on to compete in international tournaments, representing his country. He has won several medals at international competitions, highlighting his skill in the sport.
Judo is a sport that emphasizes throwing and grappling techniques to overpower an opponent. It is a popular Olympic sport and it is also widely practiced in Algeria.
Rebahi is a prime example of the excellence of Algerian judokas, having competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. He has been a role model for many in Algeria, inspiring them to pursue excellence in the sport.
He has been recognized for his achievements in Judo and is a great example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
20. Amar Meridja
Amar Meridja is an Algerian athlete who specializes in the sport of judo. Judo is a martial art that originated in Japan and is now practiced worldwide. Meridja is a highly successful judoka, having won numerous medals in both national and international competitions.
He has represented Algeria at the Olympic Games and the World Judo Championships. He is a multi-time National Champion, having won the Algerian National Judo Championship on multiple occasions.
Meridja has also had notable success at the African Judo Championships, where he has won multiple gold medals. In addition, Meridja has also been successful in international events, having won medals at various prestigious international competitions.
He is an inspiration to all Algerian judokas, and his success has been an important part of the development of judo in Algeria.
21. Mouloud Noura
Mouloud Noura is a Paralympic judoka from Algeria. He has competed in three Paralympic Games, the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, and the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
At the 2008 Paralympics, he won the gold medal in the men’s 60kg event. At the 2012 Paralympics, he won one of the bronze medals in the same event. He is thus a multiple medal winner in Paralympic judo and is established as one of Algeria’s most successful Paralympians.
His achievements are an inspiration to all athletes, especially those with disabilities, and a reminder of the power of dedication and hard work.
22. Lyès Bouyacoub
Lyès Bouyacoub is an Algerian judoka who has achieved great success in his sport. He won the African Championships in 2014 and 2015 and placed second in 2013 and 2016.
His success in the African Championships earned him a place at the 2016 Olympics, where he competed against the best judokas from around the world. Unfortunately, his Olympic journey ended in the third round, as he was eliminated from the competition.
His performance in the African Championships and the Olympics is a testament to his dedication and passion for judo. He has proven himself to be a formidable athlete, as he has consistently placed high in international competitions.
He is an inspiring figure for Algerians and judoka everywhere, and his story is an example of how hard work and determination can pay off.
23. Amina Belkadi
Amina Belkadi is a world-renowned judoka from Algeria. She has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, including a silver medal at the African Games and three gold medals at the African Judo Championships.
She also achieved success in other international events, most notably a bronze at the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games and another bronze at the 2022 Mediterranean Games. Her accomplishments show her dedication to the sport of judo and her commitment to excellence.
She is a true role model for aspiring judokas around the world and her success serves as an inspiration to all.
24. Faïza Aissahine
Faiza Aissahine is a talented judoka from Algeria who has competed in many international tournaments. She is a highly decorated athlete who has been recognized for her skill and dedication to the sport.
Her most impressive achievement came at the African Games, where she won gold in the judo competition. Aissahine is a dedicated judoka who has been training since she was a child.
She has put in countless hours of hard work and dedication to reach the level of success that she has achieved.
Her commitment to the sport has earned her numerous medals and recognition from both her home country of Algeria and international judo organizations. Aissahine’s success has been recognized beyond the African Games.
She has also been a medalist at the Pan Arab Games and has won numerous international tournaments.
Her skills have been noted by international judo organizations, which have launched her career into the international spotlight. Aissahine is an excellent example of a successful international judoka from Algeria.
Her dedication to the sport and her impressive achievements have earned her the admiration of many. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring judokas from all over the world.
25. Tohar Butbul
Tohar Butbul is an Israeli judoka who competes in the under 73 kg weight category. He has achieved remarkable success in his weight class, claiming silver medals at both the 2019 Judo World Masters and the 2021 European Championships.
In addition, he has also won bronze medals in the 2017 Paris Grand Slam and the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. His achievements demonstrate his commitment and skill as an athlete and are a testament to the hard work he has put in to reach his goals.
He is an inspiring judoka, and his dedication to the sport is admirable.
Conclusion
Algeria has a strong tradition of excellence in judo and many of its athletes have achieved great success on the world stage.
Algerian judo players have won medals at the Olympics, World Championships, African Championships, and other major international competitions.
The best judo players in Algeria have consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport by winning competitions and inspiring others to take up the martial art. The country is proud of its judo athletes and will continue to support them as they strive for excellence.
