President Corner
You will find in this section, the messages delivered by Mr. AL-ANZI Obaid as well as related news.
President Gallery
A New Year’s Message from Mr. Obaid Al-Anzi, President of the JUA
To the Asian Judo Family, Executive Committee Members, and All Member National Federations
Dear Members of the Asian Judo Family,
As we welcome the year 2026, I extend my warmest greetings and sincere best wishes to each of you—athletes, coaches, referees, officials, and dedicated supporters across our continent and beyond. The start of a new year is a moment to reflect on our shared journey, celebrate our collective achievements, and renew our commitment to the values that define our sport.
The past year has been a remarkable chapter for judo worldwide. We witnessed the sport’s enduring spirit during the 2024 Olympic Games, where breathtaking performances and historic moments inspired our global community.
In Asia, our journey continues to gain momentum. As we prepare for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, I am confident that our athletes will showcase the highest standards of excellence, embodying the discipline and spirit of judo. The Asian judo community has always been a cornerstone of the sport’s global growth, and your unwavering dedication—whether in developing grassroots programs, fostering youth participation, or promoting “Judo for Peace” initiatives—strengthens our legacy. Let us continue to work together to expand judo’s reach, ensuring it remains a vehicle for education, empowerment, and social harmony.
Looking ahead, 2026 presents new opportunities and challenges. The JUA remains committed to supporting each member federation through enhanced coaching programs, referee training, and youth development projects. Let us embrace innovation while staying true to judo’s core principles: mutual welfare, maximum efficiency, and respect. Whether on the tatami or in our communities, these values guide us toward a brighter future.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the JUA Executive Committee, member federations, and every individual who contributes to Asian judo. Your passion and hard work are the foundation of our success. Together, let us build a year of progress, unity, and inspiration.
May 2026 bring you joy, health, and triumph in all your endeavors. Let us move forward with courage and solidarity, writing the next chapter of Asian judo together.
With warm regards,
Mr. Obaid Al-Anzi
President, Judo Union of Asia (JUA)
IJF Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Judo
In a groundbreaking move, the IJF introduced a new format for the awards, allowing national federations to nominate candidates. The judo community then voted to shortlist nominees for each category, with an expert panel selecting the ultimate winners.
The ceremony saw deserving recipients honored across various categories:
1. Judo for Children Award:
Winner: France Judo
Recognizing efforts to inspire and nurture the next generation of judoka, France Judo’s initiatives in creating 300 dojos for children in underprivileged neighborhoods stood out as a testament to the future of the sport.
The award was presented to Mr Stéphane Nomis, France Judo President and to Sebastien Nolesini, Director General, by IJF World Promotion Director Mr Haruki Uemura
2. Judo for Peace Award:
Winner: Roberto Orlando and Judo for Peace South Africa
Acknowledging initiatives that promote education and unity through judo, Roberto Orlando and Judo for Peace South Africa were recognized for their exceptional contributions beyond competition.
The award was presented to Nicolas Messner, IJF Judo for Peace Director and co-director of the programme, on behalf of Roberto Orlando by IJF Vice President and President of the AJU Mr Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko
3. Moment of the Year Award:
Winner: Diyora Keldiyorova
Diyora Keldiyorova’s remarkable victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games captured the essence of triumph and values that elevate judo to a truly extraordinary level.
The award was presented to Diyora Keldiyorova by IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan
4. Coaching Achievement of the Year:
Notable coaching achievements were celebrated, with Baptiste Leroy (FRA) for the team Coaching Achievement of the Year, Marko Spittka (UZB) for Coaching Achievement of the Year (female), and Richard Trautmann (AZE) for Coaching Achievement of the Year (male).
The first award was presented by IJF General Treasurer Mr Naser Al Tamimi to Baptiste Leroy (FRA), for his leadership guiding the French men’s team to 10 Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Games.
The second award was presented by IJF Vice President and President of the JUA Mr Obaid Al-Anzi to Marko Spittka (UZB), for leading Diyora Keldiyorova to Uzbekistan’s first Olympic gold in judo.
The third award was presented presented by IJF Coaching and Education Director Mr Mohamed Meridja to Richard Trautmann (AZE), for Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev making history, both winning world and Olympic titles in a single year.
5. Rising Star of the Year:
Winner: Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA)
Joan-Benjamin Gaba’s promising talent and impactful performance, including a key victory in the Olympic mixed team final, earned him the prestigious Rising Star of the Year award.
The award was presented by IJF Director General Mr Vlad Marinescu
6. Female Judoka of the Year:
Winner: Christa Deguchi (CAN)
Christa Deguchi’s excellence in women’s judo was acknowledged with the Female Judoka of the Year award, reflecting her outstanding achievements in the sport.
The award was presented by IJF Vice-President and PJC President, Mr Carlos Zegarra Presser, to Canada’s Head Coach, Antoine Valois-Fortier on behalf of Christa Deguchi.
7. Male Judoka of the Year:
Winner: Hidayat Heydarov (AZE)
Hidayat Heydarov’s exceptional contributions to men’s judo earned him the Male Judoka of the Year award, recognizing his pinnacle of excellence in the sport.
The award was presented by Dr Laszlo Toth, IJF Vice-President and EJU President.
8. Ippon of the Year:
Winner: Teddy Riner (FRA)
Teddy Riner’s impeccable harai-goshi in the 2024 Olympic final was celebrated as the Ippon of the Year, embodying mastery and excellence in judo.
The award was presented by the IJF President, Mr Marius Vizer.
The JUA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the values of judo. Their achievements are a testament to the vibrant judo culture and serve as an inspiration to aspiring judokas across the world.
As the JUA continues to promote and develop judo in Asia, we look forward to seeing more Asian judokas shine on the global stage. Together, we will strive to uphold the spirit of judo and foster unity, respect, and excellence in our sport.
Photos credit: IJF
President’s message for the Asian Senior Judo Championships 2025
Dear Judo Friends,
Judo Union of Asia extends its warm greetings and good wishes to all the participants of this 2025 Asian Senior Judo Championships, that are being held in Thailand. My sincere appreciation and gratitude go out to the organizers of this event and the Judo Association of Thailand.
First of all, I like to thank the President of the Judo Association of Thailand Mr. Hassabodin Rojanachiva for his ardent desire to organize this event. I like to thank each participant in this Senior Championships and express sincere appreciation for their participation and dedication to the sports of Judo, that including the Organizers of this Championships together with the cooperation received from the Regional and local authorities and Sports body to conduct this Championships whole heartedly.
With the aim to bring up the sport of Judo in the world forum and its benefits to the public at large our whole desire to enter spirit of friendship, discipline and the respect which I trust will be in the years ahead of us.
Thank you one and all.
Yours sincerely,
Obaid Z. AL-ANZI
President,
Judo Union of Asia
President’s End of Year Message 2024
Dear Judo Family,
As we approach the end of another eventful year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey and celebrate the achievements we’ve accomplished together.
This year, we witnessed thrilling competitions that showcased the dedication and talent of our athletes. The 2024 Asian Judo Championships in Hong Kong was a highlight, drawing exceptional talent and fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship. We also celebrated the success of our athletes at various international events, including the Asian Opens, the Grand Slam tournaments and various Cadet & Junior Championships, where many of our judokas made us proud with their performances.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering support and commitment to the growth of judo in Asia. Your hard work and dedication have played a crucial role in our collective triumphs. Together, we have embraced the spirit of judo and worked tirelessly to elevate its stature across Asia.
As we move forward, let us carry the lessons learned from this remarkable year and channel our energy into the challenges that lie ahead. Our journey is far from over, and I am confident that our passion for judo will drive us to achieve even greater heights in the coming year. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of excellence, dedication, and unity that define our community.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to our talented athletes, member national federations, coaches, referees, and the dedicated members of the JUA Executive Committee. Your contributions are the backbone of our achievements, and I am grateful for your commitment.
As we enter this festive season, I wish you and your families an abundance of joy, warmth, and togetherness. May the New Year bring you good health and success in all your endeavors.
Let us also hold steadfast to our vision of fostering peace and understanding through judo. Together, we can build a world that reflects our values of respect, harmony, and friendship, transcending borders and creating a brighter future for all.
Thank you for your dedication and support. Here’s to a successful New Year!
Warm regards,
AL-ANZI Obaid
President, Judo Union of Asia
Tokyo Grand Slam 2024: A Grand Finale to an Exciting Judo Season
The Tokyo Grand Slam 2024 is set to wrap up an extraordinary year of judo, with the event marking the conclusion of the World Judo Tour in style. Taking place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the prestigious competition promises thrilling matches and a vibrant atmosphere, bringing together top judo talents from around the globe.
From left to right, Armen Bagdasarov, Mohamed Meridja, Obaid Al-Anzi, Vlad Marinescu, Shinichi Nakamura, Haruki Uemura, Shinji Hosokawa and Kosei Inoue
The official draw for the event, attended by distinguished figures from the International Judo Federation and local organizers, set the stage for an action-packed weekend. With over 150 media representatives in attendance, the event is poised to captivate judo enthusiasts worldwide.
Key figures, including Mr. Vlad Marinescu and our JUA President Mr. Obaid Al-Anzi, expressed gratitude and excitement for the Tokyo Grand Slam, highlighting the significance of the event in the judo community. Mr. Shinichi Nakamura, President of the All Japan Judo Federation, emphasized the spirit of competition and camaraderie as judoka from diverse backgrounds come together to showcase their skills.
From left to right, Mohamed Meridja, Obaid Al-Anzi, Vlad Marinescu and Armen Bagdasarov
As 274 competitors from 44 countries gear up for the contest, the Tokyo Grand Slam offers a platform for judo athletes to culminate the season with outstanding performances. With the preliminary rounds starting at 10:30 local time and the final block scheduled for 17:00 each day, anticipation is high for thrilling matches and memorable moments on the tatami.
The Tokyo Grand Slam 2024 serves as a fitting finale to a year filled with judo excellence, celebrating the sport’s values and global appeal in the heart of its birthplace, Japan.
After the official draw, participants engaged in the traditional referee seminar at the Kodokan.
Images: Tamara Kulumbegashvili (IJF)
Shaping the Future: Judo Union of Asia Collaborates for Modernization and Progress
As the Judo Union of Asia, we are actively engaged in shaping the future of judo following the closure of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With our sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Games, we have joined hands with the International Judo Federation to seek out innovations that will propel our beloved sport into a new era of modernity and progress.
In June 2024, National Federations were called upon to submit their suggestions for judo rule amendments, marking a crucial step in our collaborative efforts to enhance the sport. JUA President Mr. Obaid AL-ANZI participated in the subsequent discussions at the IJF Technical Meeting, where proposals were meticulously evaluated and media insights were taken into consideration.
The recent deliberations post the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2024 have been instrumental in shaping the future landscape of judo. Through fruitful exchanges with esteemed members of the IJF Executive Committee, leading national federations, and international experts, we have delved into strategies to elevate ippon judo, minimize penalties, and empower athletes to showcase their skills on the mat.
The JUA are committed to preserving the essence of judo while embracing its evolution in sync with the changing times. The forthcoming seminar in 2024 will serve as a platform to unveil the collective vision of international experts, guiding us towards a comprehensive rule update that will set the stage for the upcoming Olympic cycle. We eagerly anticipate the official presentation in January, which will herald a new era for judo at the Paris Grand Slam 2025, underlining our dedication to fostering a dynamic and athlete-centric judo environment.
President’s Message for the Aktau Asian Open 2024
Dear Judo Friends,
In the name of the Judo Union of Asia, I would like to extends my warm greetings and good wishes to all the participants of the Aktau Asian Open 2024 which will be held in Aktau, Kazakhstan on 12-14 Oct., 2024. I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Local Organizing Committee and especially to the President of Kazakhstan Judo Federation Mr. Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev for his effort to organize this event.
I also like to thank each participant in this Asian Open and express my sincere thanks for their participation and dedication with the aim to bring up the sport of Judo in the Asia and its benefits to the public at large our whole desire to enter spirit of friendship, discipline and the respect which I trust will be in the years ahead of us and to all our Judokas to perform their best and maximum qualification for the upcoming regional and Asian events.
I wish all delegations a safe journey and success and I thank all coaches, volunteers and organisers for their ongoing hard work and positivity.
Yours sincerely,
Obaid AL-ANZI
President, Judo Union of Asia
President AL-ANZI Obaid Celebrates Triumph at Mungyeong Asian Cadets and Junior Championships 2024
The Judo Union of Asia is abuzz with excitement following President AL-ANZI Obaid’s presence at the Mungyeong Asian Cadets and Junior Championships 2024. The esteemed event, spanning from August 29 to September 1, 2024, welcomed 161 skilled judokas hailing from 16 nations, marking a celebration of talent and sportsmanship in the judo community.
President AL-ANZI Obaid graced the championship with his distinguished presence, offering his heartfelt congratulations on the resounding success of the event. His unwavering support and encouragement resonated throughout the championship, inspiring participants to showcase their skills and uphold the values of judo on the grand stage.
As judo enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds converged in Mungyeong, the championship served as a melting pot of talent, camaraderie, and spirited competition. President AL-ANZI Obaid’s presence underscored the Judo Union of Asia’s commitment to fostering unity and excellence within the judo community, setting a shining example for future generations of judokas.
The Mungyeong Asian Cadets and Junior Championships 2024 not only showcased the technical prowess of the participating judokas but also highlighted the universal language of sportsmanship that transcends boundaries. President AL-ANZI Obaid’s congratulatory message resonated with participants, coaches, and organizers alike, reinforcing the values of respect, discipline, and dedication that are synonymous with judo.
As the championship drew to a close, President AL-ANZI Obaid expressed his gratitude to all those involved in making the event a resounding success, from the dedicated athletes to the hardworking organizers. His words of encouragement and appreciation served as a beacon of inspiration for the judo community, reaffirming the Judo Union of Asia’s unwavering commitment to promoting the sport and nurturing its future stars.
The Mungyeong Asian Cadets and Junior Championships 2024 will be remembered as a testament to the passion and dedication of judo practitioners across Asia. President AL-ANZI Obaid’s presence and words of commendation have left an indelible mark on the championship, reinforcing the judo community’s collective resolve to continue striving for excellence and unity in the spirit of judo.
President’s message for the MungYeong Asian Cadets and Junior Championships 2024
Dear Judo Friends,
In the name of the Judo Union of Asia, I would like to extends my warm greetings and good wishes to all the participants of this 2024 Asia Cadet & Junior Judo Championship which will be held in Mungyeong City of the Republic of Korea on 29 Aug. to 1 Sep, 2024. I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Local Organizing Committee and especially to the Government of Mungyeong City and the President of Korea Judo Federation Mr. CHO Yong-Chul for his ardent desire to organize this event.
Welcome to Mungyeong which is a famous sports city in the Republic of Korea brimming with history and progress.
I also like to thank each participant in this Cadet and Junior Championships and express my sincere thanks for their participation and dedication with the aim to bring up the sport of Judo in the world forum and its benefits to the public at large our whole desire to enter spirit of friendship, discipline and the respect which I trust will be in the years ahead of us and to all our Judokas to perform their best and maximum qualification for the upcoming regional and world events.
I wish all delegations a safe journey and success and I thank all coaches, volunteers and organisers for their ongoing hard work and positivity.
Yours sincerely,
Obaid AL-ANZI
President, Judo Union of Asia
President’s End of Year Message
Dear colleagues of EC, esteemed members of JUA,
As the passing year comes to a close, it is a time for reflection on the multitude of significant events that have shaped our journey. Throughout the year, the JUA calendar has been filled with remarkable success, accompanied by numerous accomplishments and initiatives that have left a lasting impact.
In light of these achievements, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of you. Your invaluable contributions, unwavering support, and resolute dedication to the discipline of judo have been instrumental in our collective triumphs. Together, we have embraced the spirit of judo and worked tirelessly to elevate its stature.
As we move forward, let us carry the lessons learned from this remarkable year and channel our energy into the challenges that lie ahead. May our passion for judo continue to ignite our pursuits, and may we strive for even greater achievements in the coming year. We shall persist in our pursuit of achieving optimal outcomes as a united family, upholding unwavering standards of excellence, dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the judo community.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed athletes, member national federations, coaches, and referees, as well as the esteemed colleagues of the JUA Executive Committee, JUA Commissions, JUA staff, official partners, sponsors, and all other stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in our collective success. Your unwavering dedication and contributions have been paramount in shaping the achievements we have celebrated throughout the year.
Additionally, as we approach the festive season and the dawning of a new year, I want to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this joyous season be filled with moments of happiness, love, and togetherness. May the upcoming year bring you good health, abundant happiness, and prosperity in all your endeavours.
Above all, as we reflect upon the past year and look towards the future, let us hold onto a hopeful aspiration for world peace. May we strive to foster understanding, compassion, and unity among all individuals across the globe. Together, we can create a world where judo’s values of respect, harmony, and friendship can transcend borders and contribute to a brighter and more peaceful future for all.
Sincerely,
AL-ANZI Obaid
President of JUA