On this occasion, the experts of the IJF, Juan Carlos Barcos and Raul Camacho Perez, were present to animate the seminar which was organised and supported locally by the national judo federation and by the National Olympic Committee. They had the opportunity to meet with the NOC President as well as with Mohammad Azim Kohi, Manager of Federations, General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan, Dad Mohammad Akhtari, Chief Executive Officer Afghanistan of the Olympic Committee (CEO) and Mohammadullah Ehsas, Office Manager of General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan.
Juan Carlos Barcos said, "It was an unforgettable experience. The difficulties in the country are enormous but there is a great desire to do judo and to move forward and progress. I have been everywhere, I have travelled a lot, but this stay in Afghanistan will remain forever etched in my memory."
In total, more than 100 judoka were able to participate in theoretical and practical sessions.
The purpose of the seminar was to educate the local judoka with the new rules and regulations of refereeing but also to offer them coaching and kata support.
The participants were particularly happy and enthusiastic as this was the first seminar of its kind delivered in Afghanistan.
If 100 participants was already a significant number, many judoka were not able to attend the sessions and the federation is planning to organise further editions.
The federation declared, "Judo is amazing, a unique way of making a positive impact in society. It fits into our culture and tradition and it is a platform for people to come together and support their country."
During the seminar, two referees, Rahmat Shah Mushkel and Abu Raihan Radmanesh also passed their continantal referee licence.