Cast Your Vote: The IJF Awards Are Open!
Judo enthusiasts worldwide have until January 10,2025,too participate in the International Judo Federation (IJF) Awards. The winners will be revealed during the highly anticipated Grand Slam of Paris in 2025.
This year’s awards recognize excellence across seven distinct categories: Judo for Children, Judo for Peace, Moment of the Year, Coach of the Year, Best Hope, Best Male Judoka, and Best female Judoka, and also the coveted Ippon of the Year.
France boasts a strong contingent of nominees. Baptiste Leroy is in the running for Coach of the Year, while rising star Joan-Benjamin Gaba is a contender for Best Hope. Judo legend Teddy Riner is nominated for both Best Male Judoka and Ippon of the Year, showcasing his enduring dominance in the sport.
The competition for Coach of the Year is fierce,with Leroy facing stiff competition from Richard Trautmann (Azerbaijan),Marco Spittka (Uzbekistan),Vladimir Preradovic (Croatia),Luka Kuralt (Slovenia),and Antoine Valois-Fortier (Canada).
The Best female Judoka category features a diverse and talented field, including diyora Keldiyorova (Uzbekistan), Christa Deguchi (Canada), Beatriz Souza (Brazil), Natsumi Tsunoda (Japan), Andreja Leski (Slovenia), and Barbara Matic (Croatia).
On the men’s side, Yeldos Smetov (Kazakhstan), Hidayat Heydarov (Azerbaijan), Lasha Bekauri (Georgia), Hifumi Abe (Japan), Takanori Nagase (Japan), Zelym Kotsoiev (Azerbaijan), and Teddy Riner (france) are all vying for the title of Best Male Judoka.
Don’t miss your chance to have a say in who takes home these prestigious awards.Visit the IJF website to cast your vote today!
Breaking Down the IJF Awards: A Chat with Judo Legend, Akemi Tamura
The International Judo Federation (IJF) Awards are just around the corner, and anticipation is building for the announcement of this yearS winners. With voting open until January 10th, 2025, judo enthusiasts worldwide have the unique opportunity to have their say in recognizing the outstanding individuals who have shaped the sport in 2024.
to delve deeper into this year’s nominations and discuss the significance of these awards, we sat down with judo legend, Akemi Tamura, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time World Champion.
Moderator: Akemi, thank you for joining us today. The IJF Awards are a truly prestigious recognition within the judo community. What are your thoughts on the importance of these awards for the athletes and coaches nominated?
Akemi Tamura: Thank you for having me.I believe the IJF Awards are incredibly vital for several reasons. Firstly, they showcase the global talent within judo, highlighting the dedication and hard work of individuals who constantly strive for excellence. Winning an IJF Award is a significant achievement that not only brings personal recognition but also inspires upcoming generations of judoka.
Moderator: Absolutely. Looking at this year’s nominations, a strong contingent of French athletes have made the cut, including Baptiste Leroy for Coach of the Year and Joan-Benjamin Gaba for Best Hope. What are your impressions of these nominees and the overall strength of French Judo?
akemi Tamura: France has consistently been a judo powerhouse, and 2024 is no exception. Baptiste Leroy has undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping the careers of several prosperous French judoka, proving himself to be a tactical and inspiring coach. As for Joan-Benjamin gaba, he is a young talent with immense potential. It’s exciting to see him recognized for his achievements and eager to watch his journey unfold.
Moderator: The competition for Best Female Judoka is hotly contested this year, featuring individuals like Diyora Keldiyorova, Christa deguchi, and Natsumi Tsunoda, among others.Who are you keeping an eye on in this category, and what makes this group of athletes so extraordinary?
Akemi Tamura: This category is truly a testament to the global growth and remarkable diversity within women’s judo. Diyora Keldiyorova’s dominance is undeniable, and Christa Deguchi has consistently impressed with her technical mastery. Natsumi Tsunoda,representing the strong Japanese tradition,is also a force to be reckoned with. Each of these athletes brings their own unique style and skillset, making the competition fierce and inspiring.
Moderator: On the men’s side, teddy Riner, a judo legend, is nominated for both best Male Judoka and Ippon of the Year. Do you think Teddy can secure his spot as one of the greatest judoka of all time with another IJF Award win?
Akemi Tamura: It’s already undeniable that Teddy Riner is one of the greatest. His longevity, dominance, and incredible achievements speak volumes. Winning another IJF Award would further cement his legacy, highlighting his continuing commitment to the sport and his unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Moderator: I agree. The IJF Awards are a fantastic way to recognize the achievements of individuals and celebrate the multifaceted nature of judo. What message would you give to young judoka who aspire to one day be nominated for these prestigious awards?
Akemi Tamura: My message is simple: Never lose sight of your passion for judo. Train hard, embrace challenges, and always strive for self-betterment. most importantly, remember the values of respect, discipline, and camaraderie that are at the heart of our sport.
Moderator: Akemi,thank you for sharing your insights. This has been a captivating conversation.
We encourage our readers to weigh in on the discussion. Who are you rooting for in this year’s IJF Awards? Think Teddy Riner will secure another award win? What makes your chosen nominees deserving of recognition? Let us know in the comments below!
