The Senegalese taekwondo team has achieved a significant milestone at the JOJ Dakar 2026, with Aïda Touré and Marie Sarr qualifying for the semi-finals of the women's taekwondo tournament. The two athletes secured their spots in the last four after winning their quarter-final matches at the Iba Mar Diop complex. Their victories guarantee Senegal two medals in the discipline.
Aïda Touré, competing in the under-63 kg category, defeated Peruvian Ximena Zapata Pena 2-0, winning the two rounds with significant margins of 17-2 and 13-0. As a member of the USC Taekwondo club in Châlette-sur-Loing, France, Touré has previously won a bronze medal at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Abuja. This year, she has also claimed victories at the Solidarity Center Open and the Swiss Open, adding two bronze medals from the Portugal Open and German Open.
Marie Sarr, in the under-55 kg category, also secured her semi-final spot, overcoming Jordanian Laean Alrawashdeh. Despite losing the first round 27-33, Sarr won the next two rounds 26-11 and 18-3, taking the match 2-1. Sarr had previously won a silver medal at the German Open and a bronze at the China Open in 2026. Her semi-final opponent will be American Karlee Vogel at 16:00, while Touré faces Iranian Asal Goltapeh at 16:30.
The JOJ Dakar 2026, an event focused on youth development, has brought together athletes from various countries to compete in multiple disciplines. Senegal's performance in taekwondo has been impressive, with both Touré and Sarr demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. Their qualification for the semi-finals is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The Senegalese team's success in taekwondo is a significant boost to the country's medal tally at the JOJ Dakar 2026. With two guaranteed medals, Senegal is well-positioned to make a strong finish in the overall rankings. The country's athletes have been training rigorously to make the most of this opportunity, and their efforts are beginning to pay off.
As the competition progresses, Touré and Sarr will look to capitalize on their momentum and secure medals for Senegal. Their semi-final matches will be closely watched, with fans and officials alike eager to see the outcome. The JOJ Dakar 2026 has provided a valuable platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, and Senegal's representatives are making the most of it.
The RTS 1 report highlights the significance of Touré and Sarr's achievement, emphasizing the importance of their qualification for the semi-finals. As the event continues, Senegal's athletes will aim to build on this success, pushing for further victories and medals in their respective disciplines.
Key points
- Aïda Touré and Marie Sarr have qualified for the semi-finals of the women's taekwondo tournament at JOJ Dakar 2026.
- Their victories guarantee Senegal two medals in the discipline.
- The semi-final matches will feature Touré against Iranian Asal Goltapeh and Sarr against American Karlee Vogel.
