The International Blind Sports Federation has renewed its agreement with the International Judo Federation, marking a new chapter in their ongoing collaboration to advance blind judo worldwide.
Ilgar Rahimov, President of IBSA, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating:
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to IJF President Marius Vizer and his team for their unwavering support and commitment to blind judokas. The IJF’s partnership has been invaluable in fostering the growth and success of our athletes and advancing IBSA’s global development.”
The IBSA Judo World Cup is set to begin on Monday, March 24, in Tbilisi, Georgia. This event is part of IBSA’s broader preparation for the judo competitions at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, where the sport will feature 16 medal events, a major step forward for its inclusion on the Paralympic stage.
Medal awards in blind judo event
UPCOMING PLANS FOR BLIND JUDOKAS
Currently, IBSA’s judo program operates in 65 countries, with plans to expand globally. To help achieve this, IBSA aims to collaborate with the IJF’s national federations, which are present in 200 countries worldwide. This partnership will be crucial in ensuring greater accessibility for blind judokas across the globe, especially in underrepresented regions.
As part of its ongoing development efforts, the IJF has implemented weight category adjustments to improve safety for athletes and encourage higher participation in Paralympic qualifying events. These changes represent a strategic move toward creating a more inclusive and competitive environment for blind judokas.
Looking ahead, IBSA has outlined plans to accelerate the growth of judo programs across Africa and Pan America, regions with significant untapped potential. This will provide blind judokas in these areas with greater access to training, competition, and opportunities to excel.
In addition, IBSA is prioritizing the development of coaches through education and knowledge exchange programs, aligning with the latest IJF regulations. This focus on coaching will be vital as the organization prepares athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics and beyond, including the Brisbane 2032 Games.
