Jean de Dieu Mukundiyukuri is poised to make history as the first Rwandan referee at the Beach Volleyball Olympic Games in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. His inclusion in the elite group of 16 referees for the Paris 2024 Olympics also marks him as the first black African referee in the event’s beach volleyball category.
Mukundiyukuri expressed his excitement and gratitude for this career milestone, acknowledging the support from his country and the Rwandan volleyball federation. With an international refereeing career that began in 2013, Mukundiyukuri is among the top 24 global referees and will be the youngest in his category at the Olympics.
His recent assignments included officiating at the Beach Pro Tour Elite 16 Paris Games and the Beach Volleyball World Cup in Mexico. Mukundiyukuri’s journey in volleyball began in his youth, leading to significant achievements in school competitions alongside notable players Flavien Ndamukunda and Pierre Marshal Kwizera.
Despite an early setback due to a knee injury, Mukundiyukuri transitioned from playing to refereeing, driven by his ambition to reach the international stage. His selection for the Olympic Games is a testament to his dedication and the progress of Rwandan sports on the global platform.
