Arno Yafunga Botay is one of six athletes competing for the Refugee Olympic Team at the Dakar 2026 Youth Games
Arno Yafunga Botay, a 15-year-old judoka who escaped violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is preparing to represent the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
His journey began at the age of six when his family fled their homeland following threats against his father, Arnold. An attack on their residence resulted in the death of Arno’s seven-month-old sibling.
After spending time at the Kakuma refugee camp in north-western Kenya, the family relocated to Nairobi, where Arno developed an interest in judo by observing his father’s training sessions.
He began learning the sport at seven and has since progressed through regional trials to secure a place in the under-55kg division for the upcoming competition.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, the teenager said he was overwhelmed with happiness when he learnt of his selection, admitting that he had never imagined being chosen.
He described the opportunity to compete as a chance to represent displaced people and bring recognition to his community.
The family has lived in Kenya since 2017, when escalating threats forced them to abandon their home in DR Congo.
Arnold explained that he was detained when armed individuals attacked his family’s residence, leading to the tragic loss of his youngest child.
Despite the difficulties associated with resettlement, Arno and his elder brother, Christian, watched their father practise judo while he worked as a labourer to support the household.
However, financial hardship has continued to affect the family, limiting Arno’s access to sporting equipment, transport for tournaments and school fees.
He also highlighted the difficulties refugees face in obtaining the necessary documentation to remain in Kenya, adding that assistance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had created opportunities for athletes like him to pursue their ambitions.
The Refugee Olympic Team have been mentored by marathon great Eliud Kipchoge (back row, second from right)
The Refugee Olympic Team first participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Its historic achievement continued at Paris 2024, where Cameroon-born boxer Cindy Ngamba secured a bronze medal in the women’s 75kg category.
The Dakar event will mark the first appearance of a refugee squad at the Youth Olympic Games and will also be the first Olympic competition hosted on African soil.
Arno believes refugees deserve equal opportunities to participate in international sports, stressing that displacement should not prevent anyone from achieving their goals.
His father shares that conviction, encouraging other displaced families to remain determined despite their circumstances.
The six-member delegation heading to Senegal is receiving mentorship from two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, who has encouraged the young athletes to respect their coaches and remain committed to their disciplines.
Arno has promised to return with a gold medal to demonstrate the results of his hard work.
Judo has become an important part of the family’s daily routine, with Arnold continuing to coach his sons while Christian, now 17, occasionally trains with his younger brother.
Although Arno describes his father as strict, he acknowledges the importance of the discipline and respect the sport has instilled in him.
Arnold said maintaining the required weight category demands consistent preparation, adding that judo helps his son develop positive relationships both at school and at home.
Lawrence Karisa Nyundo, who owns the Nairobi dojo where Arno has trained since 2020, said the teenager’s selection had increased public interest in the sport.
According to him, more parents have expressed interest in enrolling their children after recognising that judo offers valuable life lessons beyond physical combat.
He described Arno’s qualification as a significant accomplishment for the club and expressed hope that the athlete would perform strongly in Senegal.
Arnold takes a hands-on approach to coaching Arno, grappling with his son in their Nairobi dojo
Looking beyond the competition, Arno hopes to return to the Kakuma refugee camp to teach other young judokas and encourage them to pursue their ambitions if he wins the gold medal.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Games begin on Friday, with the opening ceremony scheduled for the following day.
Judo competitions will take place from November 1 to 3.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong