In the latest instalment of an ongoing interview series for Sportsin, the focus turns to Kristiina Pekkola, President of the Swedish Judo Federation, Vice President of the European Judo Union, and a close collaborator with the IJF Academy in the field of education.

For Pekkola, gender equality is not a strategic ambition but a fundamental human right. She speaks candidly about the structural barriers facing women in sports governance, while expressing confidence in the direction of the International Judo Federation. In her view, judo is well placed to consolidate its achievements and shine again at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Her perspective reflects the wider achievements of Swedish sport within one of Europe’s most progressive societies in matters of civic equality. For female athletes across the world, her career offers a practical example of how leadership roles can be attained and obstacles steadily removed.

The interview is presented below in full, in question and answer format.

– In 2025, the Swedish Judo Federation was recognised as the best national federation in Sweden. This achievement came ahead of major and very popular federations in your country, such as the Swedish Football Association and the Swedish Ski Association. How did you manage to lead Swedish Judo to become the National Federation of the Year?

This recognition was the result of several years of purposeful work focused on long-term development, inclusivity, and professionalism. We have invested deeply in youth development, coach education, and a strong ethical foundation throughout the organisation. What I am most proud of is that we built our success together; athletes, coaches, clubs, volunteers, and staff all contributed. Our federation has a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility. When everyone moves in the same direction, remarkable achievements become possible. What we learnt on the way of strategic work is that “the direction we want to establish is more important than the speed.”

Kristiina Pekkola

– Sweden is known worldwide for gender equality. How is this reflected within Swedish judo?

Gender equality is all about human rights. The importance of giving both boys and girls equal opportunities from early ages, balanced representation in leadership, and dedicated programmes that support women from the tatami to the boardroom. Always prioritize good governance, acting and living through our core values. As a role model, you need to be present and genuine. In Sweden, we do not view gender equality as a project but as a fundamental principle guiding all decisions, from team selection to governance. This has helped create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can grow.

 – There are still relatively few women in the world of sport who lead national federations. We clearly see an imbalance between men and women in sports leadership. Fortunately, the International Judo Federation has implemented important policies to address this issue. In your opinion, what are the main barriers preventing more women from entering leadership positions in sport?

Several structural and cultural barriers still persist. Many women lack access to the same networks and mentorship that men traditionally benefit from. In some environments, leadership norms are still shaped by outdated expectations that do not reflect today’s diverse realities. We have worked a lot with norm-critical thinking which includes power and resources. Additionally, women often face a double burden of professional and family responsibilities, which makes leadership more demanding unless organisations actively support work–life balance. Increasing female leadership requires intentional strategies: transparent recruitment, education, mentorship, and strong role models who inspire and “opens doors” to the next generation.

– As Vice President within European judo structures, what specific educational or development programmes have you prioritised for female judoka?

I believe that empowering women in all roles strengthens the entire judo ecosystem. A sport thrives when its leadership and participants reflect the diversity of its community. In European Judo we need to create sustainable pathways for women, not only as athletes, but also as coaches, referees, and leaders. Even here it is about diversity, role models, good governance and long term sustainability.

– In many Middle Eastern countries, women either do not participate in sport or face significant restrictions. I would like to mention my homeland, Iran, where women in judo have not been allowed to compete internationally since 1979 under the ideological regime. Many are still fighting for their basic sporting rights, while much of the sporting world remains silent. As a female sports leader, what is your view on this situation?

Sport should be a universal right. It is deeply concerning that women in some countries are prevented from participating freely or representing their nation internationally. Judo, at its core, teaches respect, courage, and personal growth, values that should be available to everyone. I admire the women who continue to fight for their basic sporting rights. Their resilience is a powerful reminder of why international sports communities must remain committed to equality and human dignity. While respecting cultural contexts, I strongly believe that the global sporting community has a responsibility to advocate for access and fairness for all athletes.

– Looking ahead, how do you see judo’s presence at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics? In Paris, judo was recognised among the leading federations. How do you see its future development on the Olympic stage?

The success of judo in Paris demonstrated the strength and global appeal of our sport. Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, I see even greater potential. Judo continues to grow in participation, media interest, and competitive level worldwide.

Our challenge and opportunity is to continue modernising the sport while preserving its rich traditions. If we invest in diversity, visibility, youth engagement, and high-quality events, I am confident that judo will remain one of the most respected and inspiring sports on the Olympic programme.

Kristiina Pekkola, thank you very much for your time