President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, “I believe that your visit is extremely important in terms of giving impetus to mutually beneficial co-operation between Kazakhstan and the federation. Today, judo occupies a special place in the global sport community. Judo is also very popular in our country. There are many training centres now, where more than 160 thousand adults and children practise judo.
We are very proud that our athlete Yeldos Smetov won a gold medal at the recent Olympic Games in Paris. Therefore, we are very interested in developing contacts and more active co-operation with the International Judo Federation.”
In turn, Marius Vizer thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his personal support for the development of judo in Kazakhstan, “It is a great honour for me to be here. I would like to express my gratitude to you and Kazakhstan for the support you provide, not only to judo but also to the entire sporting movement, which is one of the tools of education, social integration and a beacon of peace today.
All members of our judo family are united and strive for one goal: the education and better integration of all worthy persons in society.”
Mr Vizer also reported that the IJF Academy is planning to be open a new facility in Astana with the support of the International Judo Federation, which will become a centre for training high-class coaches and referees in the region.
Participants at the meeting exchanged views on the prospects for long-term co-operation between Kazakhstan and the IJF and also discussed issues of preparation for the world judo championships which will be held in 2027 in Kazakhstan.
In conclusion, the Head of State awarded Marius Vizer the Order of Dostyk for his contribution to the promotion of judo in Kazakhstan.