The International Judo Federation, the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and the Deaf International Judo Federation have signed a memorandum of understanding in Budapest, Hungary, to develop judo for deaf athletes worldwide.
The agreement covers cooperation across all levels of the sport, from grassroots participation to the World Deaf Judo Championships and the Deaflympics.
IJF President Marius Vizer and General Treasurer Dr Naser Al Tamimi signed on behalf of the IJF. ICSD President Dr Ádám Kósa and Vice President Yutaka Osugi represented the ICSD, while DIJF President Damien Antoine signed for his federation.
Under the agreement, the ICSD formally recognises the DIJF as an international federation for deaf sport and grants it provisional membership until 2030. The ICSD Congress will consider its application for associate membership that year, provided the DIJF continues to meet the required standards.
The three organisations will focus on widening participation, creating more opportunities for deaf women in judo and improving training for coaches, referees and officials. Their cooperation will also include sharing technical expertise, promoting fair play and ensuring a safe and inclusive sporting environment.
The agreement establishes a framework for recognising competitions and developing an international ranking system for deaf judo, which the IJF will publish on its website.
If the DIJF secures associate membership, it will be eligible to co-host the World Deaf Judo Championships, subject to ICSD regulations, and organise its own tournaments. Results from eligible events may also contribute to the qualification rankings for the 2033 Deaflympics.
A step towards greater international recognition
The significance of the agreement goes beyond the formal recognition of the DIJF. The IJF’s involvement in developing and publishing international rankings could give deaf judo greater visibility within the sport’s global structure. Linking independent competitions and world championships to the qualification pathway for the 2033 Deaflympics could also help establish a more coherent international competition calendar.
However, the DIJF’s membership remains provisional until 2030, while its role in co-hosting world championships depends on securing associate membership and meeting ICSD regulations. The success of the partnership will therefore depend on how effectively the three organisations turn their commitments into tangible opportunities for deaf athletes.
The agreement will remain in force for four years, with provision for automatic renewal, providing a framework for continued cooperation.
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