From Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, young refugee athletes are turning sporting dreams into reality, with a father-son judo journey and a six-member Refugee Olympic Team showcasing their talent, resilience and hope for a new generation.

By sportswriters Hu Jiali, Gao Jianfei and Hong Zehua DAKAR, Nov.

7 (Xinhua) -- When 15-year-old Arno Botay Yafunga stepped onto the judo mat at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, his father, Arnold Yafunga, also his coach, was watching proudly from the sidelines.

"I feel great joy and happiness in my heart because it's not easy to come here and do what he did," the father said.

"The Olympic Games are big, and this is the first time in Africa.

To see him compete here is a great joy for me and a dream come true." From Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to the Olympic stage, the father and son have made the journey together.

In Dakar, Arno became the first athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team to compete at a Youth Olympic Games.

He went on to reach the bronze medal match in the men's under-55kg event, finishing fifth.

"These Games have opened up a big dream for me, and I want to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles," he said.

"Dakar has opened the door for me to pursue that dream." Although Arno narrowly missed out on a medal, the journey was already a remarkable one for the father and son.

"My father, as my coach, knows my strengths and weaknesses better than other coaches," Arno said.

"Wherever I go, he motivates me and is always by my side.

He is my role model." Arnold was a black belt judoka who once dreamed of competing at the Olympic Games.

In 2017, the family fled conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and sought refuge in Kenya, where they spent time in Kakuma before later settling in Nairobi.

Although Arnold had to give up his Olympic ambitions to support his family, his passion for judo never faded.

Arno and his brother often watched their father train and gradually became interested in the sport.

Arnold later returned to judo and became his son's coach.

"I like judo because of my father and how seriously he takes training.

I wanted him to take me with him and train me to be more confident on the tatami and in life," Arno said.

Like Arno, 16-year-old Clement Niyomuhoza, captain of the Refugee Olympic Team, hopes the competition will help more people recognize the abilities of refugee athletes.

Niyomuhoza began training in athletics in 2024.

After taking part in selection trials in Kakuma and later in Eldoret, Kenya, he failed to qualify on his first attempt.

He continued training, however, and eventually secured a place on the team.

His teammates later chose him as captain.

"As a refugee, some people think we have no talent and cannot do anything....