IJF Judo Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in the Judo Community
The IJF Judo Awards introduced a new format in 2024, allowing national federations to nominate candidates. Winners were selected from finalists by an expert panel, with awards presented at the Paris Grand Slam. Categories included Judo for Children, Judo for Peace, and various athlete and coaching recognitions, highlighting a year of significant achievements in the sport.
The IJF Judo Awards have unveiled an innovative structure this year, allowing national federations to nominate candidates, who were subsequently voted on by the judo community. Winners were selected from these finalists by an expert panel. During the second day of the Paris Grand Slam, accolades were presented to notable athletes and coaches at the Accor Arena Bercy.
Award 1: Judo for Children
Presented by: Mr. Haruki Uemura
Winner: France Judo
This category commends initiatives that inspire young judoka. Notable contributions include 300 dojos established in underprivileged areas by France Judo.
Finalists include Adaptive Judo for Children and efforts showcased at the Tokyo Grand Slam.
Award 2: Judo for Peace
Presented by: Mr. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko
Winner: Roberto Orlando and Judo for Peace South Africa
This honor acknowledges programs that use judo for educational and unity-focused initiatives.
Finalists included the Olympic Refugee Team and the Kakuma judo program in Kenya.
Award 3: Moment of the Year
Presented by: Dr. Lisa Allan
Winner: Diyora Keldiyorova
Her remarkable success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is recognized here.
Finalists featured Keldiyorova’s victory, the Olympic Mixed Team final, and Baasankhuu Bavuudorj’s medal journey.
Award 4: Coaching Achievement of the Year
This award recognizes coaches excelling in mentorship.
Finalists included Richard Trautmann, Marko Spittka, and Baptiste Leroy.
Team Coaching Achievement:
Winner: Baptiste Leroy – guiding the French men’s team to 10 Olympic medals at Paris 2024.
Female Coaching Achievement:
Winner: Marko Spittka – leading Keldiyorova to gold.
Male Coaching Achievement:
Winner: Richard Trautmann for coaching multiple champions.
Award 5: Rising Star of the Year
Presented by: Mr. Vlad Marinescu
Winner: Joan-Benjamin Gaba
This accolade recognizes emerging talents. Gaba’s impactful victory against Hifumi Abe was a highlight.
Finalists included Tara Babulfath and Nihad Mamishov.
Award 6: Female Judoka of the Year
Presented by: Mr. Carlos Zegarra Presser
Winner: Christa Deguchi
This award celebrates outstanding achievements in women’s judo.
Finalists also included Diyora Keldiyorova and Beatriz Souza.
Award 7: Male Judoka of the Year
Presented by: Dr. Laszlo Toth
Winner: Hidayat Heydarov
This honor recognizes excellence in men’s judo.
Finalists were Heydarov, Yeldos Smetov, and Lasha Bekauri.
Award 8: Ippon of the Year
Presented by: Mr. Marius Vizer
Winner: Teddy Riner for his exceptional harai-goshi throw in the 2024 Olympic final, exemplifying judo mastery.
Finalists included Matvey Kanikovskiy and Manuel Lombardo.
The award ceremony symbolized a remarkable year for judo, showcasing outstanding performances and unforgettable experiences at the Olympic Games. The accomplishments of 2024 highlighted the sport’s spirit and dedication.
The IJF Judo Awards aim to celebrate excellence and contributions within the judo community. This year’s awards were distinguished by a new process allowing national federations to submit nominations, followed by voting and selection by an expert panel. The event took place during the prominent Paris Grand Slam, spotlighting remarkable achievements in various categories, ranging from youth judo initiatives to coaching excellence and memorable performances at the Olympics.
The 2024 IJF Judo Awards not only recognized leading figures in judo but also fostered a deeper community engagement through the new nomination process. The awards highlighted significant achievements and contributions to the sport, reinforcing the values of judo and inspiring future generations of athletes and coaches. The event celebrated a year marked by exceptional performances and a commitment to nurturing the future of judo.
Original Source: www.ijf.org
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