"Sakura Judo has many values and many purposes," Daniela Krukower explained. "It is a wonderful programme dedicated to strengthening and empowering women leaders in sport, especially in judo. Through the International Olympic Committee and the WISH programme, we want to encourage more women to become involved at every level of our national federations, whether as leaders, coaches or referees."
For Krukower, increasing female representation is not simply a question of numbers. It is about ensuring that women feel confident enough to take their place wherever important decisions are made. "The idea is to encourage women to occupy positions where decisions are taken, to have a strong voice and to help shape the future of judo."
One of the programme's distinctive features is that leadership begins with a deeper understanding of the sport itself. Daniela Krukower believes that experiencing judo personally creates stronger, more empathetic leaders. "To speak about judo with authority, we first need to understand it and practise it. When you have felt judo in your own body, you understand athletes, referees and coaches in a completely different way. That knowledge becomes the foundation for better leadership."
After only a short time, she could already see the programme transforming the participants. "We will see even more changes by the end of the programme, but they have already begun; you can notice a different attitude. Women are moving from uncertainty to believing, 'Yes, I can do this. I can keep progressing.' It is a beautiful transformation to witness."
For Daniela Krukower, one of Sakura Judo's greatest strengths is that it offers new horizons to women whose competitive careers are coming to an end. Too often, former athletes believe that leaving elite competition also means leaving judo behind. "I believe this programme is excellent because it shows women that they can continue to belong. Their competitive experience is incredibly valuable and can help others grow. Beyond competitive sport, there is so much more to judo."
Whether as coaches, referees, administrators or leaders, former athletes possess knowledge that cannot be learned from books alone. Preserving that experience within the judo community strengthens the entire sport.
Equally important is the sense of community that Sakura Judo creates. "Sharing experiences, knowledge and ideas enriches all of us. We encourage one another, we support one another and we empower one another. Every participant brings something valuable to the group."
Looking towards the future, Daniela Krukower hopes this first edition is only the beginning of a much broader movement. "I would like to see more women coaching at national level, more women involved in leadership and more women in refereeing. Women should be present everywhere they can contribute. Every new perspective enriches our sport."
That vision reflects the very essence of Sakura Judo. It is not a simple issue of opening doors. It is about giving women the confidence to walk through them, to remain, to lead and, in turn, to inspire those who will one day follow the same path.
