Tokyo 2016 today celebrates the century-long legacy of Jigoro Kano, the founding father of Judo and first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee, during World Judo Rotterdam 2009 in the Netherlands.
Demonstrating the universal appeal of this Japanese-born sport, the championships have attracted 660 judoka representing 105 nationalities and 4 continents between August 26 and 30.
Judo legend Yasuhiro Yamashita, Los Angeles 1984 Gold medallist, four-time world champion and now an energetic Tokyo 2016 Ambassador, is attending the championships to lend his expertise to the Japanese delegation.
While strengthening ties with Olympic Family members at the championships he has shared his passion for Tokyo 2016’s plan to host the most compact, sustainable and athlete-focused Games ever, and he also has observed the growing support for the Japanese bid among judoka and other top athletes from around the world.
Ludwig Paischer, Beijing 2008 Silver medallist (Judo, - 60 kg), said: “I support Tokyo 2016 because it will put the athletes first by creating the very best conditions for us to exceed our past performance. Tokyo is a tremendous city and it would be fantastic to compete in its world-class venues, especially the Budokan, the Mecca of Martial Arts, in front of Japan’s passionate, friendly fans.”
Dr Ichiro Kono, Tokyo 2016 Chair and CEO, said: "We are thrilled by the growing international support for our unprecedentedly compact, sustainable and athlete-focused Games Plan. Elite athletes worldwide are expressing their strong confidence in our capacity to not only meet but exceed their needs. Athletes are the lifeblood of the Olympic Movement, so we have focused on making them feel as welcome and comfortable as possible in the heart of our capital city, beginning with accommodations just minutes from centrally located competition venues.
“This is the perfect year for Japan’s capital to be chosen to deliver a lasting legacy for the Olympic Movement. Exactly 100 years ago we joined the Olympic Movement under the visionary guidance of sport-education pioneer Jigoro Kano, who entered the IOC in 1909. Tokyo 2016 now promises to deliver a new 100 year Olympic legacy by setting an ideal stage for athletes, as well as inspiring the youth of the world through a combination of sport and Japan’s contemporary appeal.”
In May, the Japan Olympic Committee founded the Kano Jigoro Memorial International Sport Institute in Tokyo to promote the universal values of Olympism both in Japan and across the world. The Institute serves as a strategic hub for promoting Olympism, intercultural exchange and world peace through international sport. It also helps to coordinate sport-related international aid and contributions by the Japanese Government.
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