Biscuiterie Town Hall on Bourguiba Avenue hosted a major event for Senegalese martial arts this Sunday: the first international refereeing course organized by the World Hapkido Senegal Association. The initiative is part of the country's preparations for the 2026 Olympic Games.

Excellent training for national referees

Under the guidance of international experts, several dozen national and regional referees received high-level training aimed at strengthening their technical skills and mastering international regulations. This intensive day allowed participants to exchange best practices in refereeing and to update themselves with Olympic standards.

“This event marks a decisive turning point for the development of Hapkido and related disciplines in Senegal,” emphasized an association official. “As the 2026 Olympic Games approach, we must have an impeccable refereeing body capable of promoting our country on the international stage.”

Senegal is gaining momentum

This initiative demonstrates Senegal's ambition to position itself as a key player in the field of martial arts in Africa. The quality of supervision and refereeing is indeed a major issue for the credibility and development of these sports disciplines.

The Senegalese Association of Self-Defense World Hapkido and Related Disciplines thus continues its work of structuring and professionalizing the sector, while contributing to the development of Senegalese sporting youth.

This refereeing course is part of a broader dynamic of promoting martial arts as vectors of education, discipline and excellence for younger generations.