Some years ago Gavino Piredda became the first judoka to be awarded 7th dan in Sardinia, in a recognition of a career devoted to judo. Born in 1944 and having started judo in 1963, he became a black belt in 1980 and a judo technician particularly focussing on Kata.
In 2017 he was the head of the organising committee for the Veterans and Kata World Championships in Olbia and again led the committee in charge of the Junior World Championships Olbia in 2021.
The President of the Italian Judo Federation, Domenico Falcone declared, that this 8th dan comes, "with deep and sincere gratitude for the generous commitment to the Federation in over 40 years of activity, first as a judo technician and later as a federal executive, both activities carried out with great intelligence, professionalism, absolute righteousness and always inspired by a total adherence to the highest values of sport and Olympic ideals."
IJF President Marius Vizer said, “On behalf of the International Judo Federation, I would like to congratulate you on being awarded the 8th dan (hachi-dan). This grade represents the recognition of your career, dedication and contribution to the development of judo and the promotion of its values. I wish you good health, continued success and fulfilment in your future endeavours."
Gavino Piredda still has a lot to offer to judo and he will continue to encourage the development of the sport as a member of the IJF Kata Commission.