Cameroon emerges champions of Johannesburg Judo Open.

The competition was held in the southern African country over the weekend. 

The medals won included four gold, three silver and two bronze. 

Ace Olympic judoka, Soppi Mbella Richelle Anita led the Cameroonian contingent in tournament.

The 34-year-old secured a gold medal in the women’s +78kg category.

Aspiring Olympian, Djengue Moune Georgika Wesly triumphed in the women’s -78kg category to claim the country’s second gold medal in the heavyweight category of the tournament.

Nsame Mbongo Fiona secured a gold medal in the women’s middleweight category after dominating the -57 category.

The country registered its three silver medals following victories in the women’s +78kg and -53g categories, and the men’s +100g event.

Mbezele Atangana Esther triumphed in the +78kg series while Baba Matia Marie Celine distinguished herself in the women’s -52kg category. Mepoui Anong Daniel claimed the medal in the men’s +100kg series.

Biami Zita Ornella and Nkou Mballa Jeanne Luoise won the team’s two bronze medals in the women’s -70kg and -63kg categories respectively. 

The Johannesburg Open assembled 91 judokas from 25 countries from across four continents. The contingent included 58 men and 33 women.

Cameroon was represented in the tournament by a delegation made up of nine judokas as it made its first major outing in the Judo Open series since its participation in the 2026 African Judo Championships in Nairobi in Kenya in April. 

Madagascar finished the tournament sitting second on the standing after harvesting two gold and two silver medals.

Host South Africa placed third after winning one gold and one silver medal with Angola and Zambia following closely on the fourth and fifth positions. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3834 of Wednesday July 01, 2026