Refugee Judoka Arno Yafunga Botay Aims to Prove Belonging at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

Arno Yafunga Botay, a judoka who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo with his family in 2017, is set to compete at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team. His journey from displacement to the international stage underscores the transformative power of sport and the resilience of refugee athletes. Botay’s participation highlights the growing inclusion of refugees in global competitions, with Dakar 2026 marking the first Olympic event held on African soil. For Botay and others like him, the Games represent more than medals—they are a platform to challenge stereotypes and show that refugees belong at the highest levels of sport. As Dakar prepares to welcome the world, Botay’s story serves as a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to inspire hope and foster unity for millions of displaced people worldwide.