In Dakar
When Rael Imase Kulova stepped onto the tatami at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, she carried the hopes of a young judoka who had worked her way through the ranks to earn a place among the world's promising talents.
Competing in the women's under-52kg category, having previously competed in the under-48kg division, Kulova was eliminated by Belgium's Viktoria Grigoryan in the Round of 16. Given another chance in the repechage, she was unable to progress, losing to Niger's Bourbacar Ousamane.
It was a difficult result to take, particularly after the work she had put in to reach the competition. Yet for Kulova, the experience was as much about identifying areas for improvement as it was about the disappointment of an early exit.
The Kenyan teenager believes she has the ability to compete at that level, but admits there are important lessons to take home from Dakar.
"Okay, this is my first time competing in the under-52kg category, but I feel like I can do it. I just have to polish my techniques, timing and also learn to keep track of the scoreboard," she said.
Reflecting on one of her contests, she admitted that a lapse in concentration may have cost her valuable points.
"In my last game, I scored on yuko, but I didn't look at the scoreboard. So this is a big opportunity for me. I just have to go back home, review the game, look at the mistakes I made and make the necessary corrections," she added.
Her response reflects a young athlete determined not to let one disappointing competition overshadow the progress she has made.
A rising name on the African circuit
Kulova has steadily built her reputation on the African circuit. Her International Judo Federation (IJF) record includes silver at the Dakar Cadet African Cup in November 2024, gold at the Casablanca Cadet African Cup in January 2025, bronze medals at the Pretoria Cadet and Junior African Cups in June 2025, and silver at the Casablanca Cadet African Cup in January 2026.
For a young Kenyan judoka, these are important results in a sport where regular international competition remains a challenge.
Her interest in judo is rooted in her family. In a Daily Nation interview published in December 2024, Kulova spoke about growing up around the sport, with her brother Micah and cousins Eunice Melisa and Godfrey Muchai also practising judo.
She is a student at Nkoroi High School in Kajiado and had already set her sights on the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games when she spoke to the Daily Nation in 2024. Reaching the competition was therefore a significant milestone towards the ambitions she had shared at the time.
The coach: 'Development takes time'
For her coach, Johnson Kirimo, getting to this level has not been an easy journey. He acknowledges the difficulties encountered during preparations but believes the athletes deserve credit for their commitment and determination.
"It has not been easy for us. The preparations have been challenging, but we thank God for how far we have come," Mr Kirimo said.
"I would first like to congratulate the athletes for their performances and the work they have put in. It takes a lot of commitment and discipline to get to this level."
He explained that Kulova's appearance in the under-52kg category in Dakar was an adjustment from her usual under-48kg division, and that she is expected to return to the lighter category as she continues her development.
"Bearing in mind that she is still a teenager and her body is still growing, she will unfortunately have to compete in the under-48kg category. She competed in the under-48kg category before moving up to under-52kg for this competition, so this is another adjustment for her," he said.
"In judo, development takes time. We are working on building her confidence, improving her technique and preparing her for the challenges ahead. We want to ensure that she continues to grow and gain experience as a young athlete," he said.
Kenyan women making judo history
Kulova is also entering a sport in which Kenyan women have already begun to write their own history.
In 2021, Perister Bosire won the women's 78kg and over title at the Dakar African Judo Open, becoming the first Kenyan to win gold at an international judo tournament. Lydia Nyanchoka added a silver medal in the under-78kg category at the same event. Three years later, Zeddy Cherotich became the first Kenyan woman to compete in judo at the Olympic Games. Her qualification was a breakthrough for a sport that rarely enjoys the same attention as athletics, rugby or football in Kenya.
For Mr Kirimo, the achievements of experienced female judokas are an important source of inspiration for the next generation.
"We also have experienced judokas who have competed in many African senior championships and serve as mentors to the younger athletes. Every young female judoka is looking up to them and hoping to emulate them or even achieve greater things," he said.
"The future is bright for young female judokas. We have a lot of promising talent coming through, and with the right guidance, support and opportunities, they can achieve even more," he added.
For Kulova, Cherotich's journey offers a path to aspire to. She could become the next Kenyan woman to compete in Olympic judo, but there is still considerable work ahead.
