The international judo community has rallied around Nepal following catastrophic flooding that struck the Rasuwa, Betrawati and Nuwakot areas on 26 August 2026, causing severe loss of life and widespread destruction across northern Nepal.
The disaster has had a particularly painful impact on the local judo community. According to the International Judo Federation (IJF), at least eight young judoka from Betrawati had been confirmed dead as of 2 September, while other children, families and members of the judo community remained unaccounted for. Several judoka have also lost relatives, homes and access to their local training facilities.
The wider scale of the disaster has been confirmed through multiple independent sources. Reuters reported that the flooding followed a major glacier collapse and debris flow in the Nepal–China border region, while European Union Copernicus satellite imagery documented extensive damage to the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river corridor, including severe impacts around Betrawati and Gerkhu.
Photo credit: aichi-nagoya2026.org
A Community with Deep Judo Connections
The affected region has long-standing links with international judo.
The IJF previously visited the area for its Judo for the World programme in 2016, when local judo initiatives were helping children rebuild confidence after the devastating Nepal earthquake of 2015.
A decade later, those same communities are again facing a major humanitarian crisis.
The IJF reported that Betrawati Dojo, one of the local centres of judo activity, was destroyed by the flood. For young athletes and families in the area, the loss of the dojo represents more than the destruction of a training venue; it also affects an important community space that had supported youth development and social connection.
Emergency Assistance Reaches Affected Judoka
Former Austrian world-class judoka and Olympian Sabrina Filzmoser, who has maintained close ties with Nepal for many years, has been helping coordinate assistance through her local network.
According to the IJF, local partners including Laxmi, Chandra and Bijay, together with members of the Nepal Cycling School, organised an initial emergency delivery of rice, tents, food, water and essential supplies to the affected area despite difficult access caused by mud, damaged roads and continuing weather challenges.
Further deliveries were being prepared, with smaller vehicles required because heavy vehicles could not reach many isolated communities.
Immediate needs identified by the IJF include food, clean water, temporary shelter and safe accommodation for displaced judoka and their families. Solar panels have also been identified as an important requirement in areas where electricity infrastructure has been damaged.
Some rescued judoka have already been brought to temporary accommodation in Kathmandu.
Nepal Judo Federation Joins Response
The Nepal Judo Federation, led by President Deepak Bajracharya, has been assisting with efforts to collect and verify information about affected athletes, coaches and families as communications gradually improve.
The response has also reached the highest levels of international judo. During a recent meeting in Lausanne, Sabrina Filzmoser and supporter Timur Kemell met with IJF President Marius Vizer to coordinate international assistance. The IJF subsequently confirmed its commitment to supporting the Nepalese judo community and helping ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.
Former Irish international judoka and Olympian Megan Fletcher and her family have also mobilised independently, organising donations of clothing, bedding, shoes and other necessities for affected communities.
Photo credit: aichi-nagoya2026.org
Judo Beyond Competition
For the Judo Union of Asia, the tragedy in Nepal is a powerful reminder that the Asian judo community extends far beyond competition results and medals.
Judo has played an important educational and social role in many communities across Asia, including regions where young people face economic, geographic or environmental challenges. In moments of crisis, the values of mutual welfare, respect and solidarity become especially meaningful.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the thoughts of the Asian judo family remain with the judoka, coaches, families and communities affected by the disaster.
The Judo Union of Asia stands in solidarity with the Nepal Judo Federation and all those working to support the recovery of Nepal’s judo community.
Image credit: IJF