Judoka Mati Anes wins Canada’s first medal of Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal

DAKAR — Mati Anes has won Canada’s first medal of the 2026 Youth Olympics.

The product of Anjou, Que., earned silver in judo on the first full day of competition.

Mati lost to Ukraine’s Khazar Heydarov by ippon in the men’s 66-kilogram final.

Argentina’s Thiago Carvallo and Senegal’s Matar Diop each earned bronze in the weight class.

Canada sent just 28 athletes to this year’s Youth Olympics.

The opening ceremony was held on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press