The continuous aim of this collaboration between both international sports bodies is to continue to work jointly on the development of universal judo in a well-coordinated manner.
IJF and IBSA will jointly start a project with the aim of investigating the future integration of Para Judo in the IJF. This project will have an athlete-centered approach and will consider the interest and opinions of all stakeholders involved, especially the IBSA membership who will need to approve a final decision about integration.
The MOU was signed by the presidents of both federations, i.e. Mr. Marius Vizer, IJF President, and Mrs. Jannie Hammershøi, IBSA President.
“I am very pleased to extend this MOU,” IJF President Vizer commented. “Both our organizations share the same values and it is important to continue to support IBSA in this long-term ongoing relationship because they are member of the big judo family.”
“This MOU means a great deal to us,” added IBSA President Hammershøi. “We are very grateful to Mr. Vizer and the IJF for what they have done for us throughout the years. We have to be aware of our body, in our daily life we are not able to do normal things, that is why this partnership is very important.”
What a better place than Baku to sign this MOU since it is here that only a few days ago local hero and two-time Paralympic Champion Ilham Zakiyev was inducted in the Judo Hall of Fame during the IJF Gala.