The International Judo Federation has taken bold strides to expand the sport’s reach, placing renewed focus on youth development in Pan-America and Asia. Through a series of mid-term educational strategies, the IJF is prioritizing regions that face political and economic challenges and require structured support to foster long-term growth. With their large and active youth populations, South America and Asia are seen as promising grounds for both grassroots development and the emergence of future world and Olympic champions.
These efforts align closely with the growing importance of the Pan American Youth Games. The recent Youth Judo Cup in Panama demonstrated significant progress, with increased participation and a clear improvement in the athletes’ technical level. The event received widespread praise from the sporting community and has added momentum to preparations for the upcoming Pan American Youth Games, set to take place this August in Asunción, Paraguay. The Games will bring together athletes from 41 countries across 28 sports.
The impact of this structured approach is already being seen. At the first edition of the Games in Cali four years ago, two judokas who had qualified through the junior selection system went on to win gold at the senior Pan American Games. Their success underlined the strength of the development pathway and cemented the Panama Youth Cup’s role as a launchpad for future elite athletes. It is no surprise that this year’s edition attracted a strong and ambitious field of participants.
Mike Tamura
Judo development in Pan America and Asia
Mike Tamura, Vice President of the Pan American Judo Confederation and Sports Director at the IJF, praised the tournament’s evolution and its strategic importance in the qualification pathway.
“The Pan American Youth Games are taking place this year, and the Panama Youth Cup plays a crucial role in that process,” Tamura said. “This is only the second edition of the Games, which have quickly become a major multi-sport event in the region. Winning gold here offers direct qualification for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, which is a powerful incentive for these young athletes.”
Meanwhile, in the vast continent of Asia, judo has established itself as a major force on the international stage under the leadership of Obaid Al Anzi. The emphasis on youth development is particularly vital, as Asia is home to the world’s largest adolescent population, with approximately 400 million individuals between the ages of 14 and 18. This demographic strength adds even more weight to the upcoming Asian Junior Championships, which will be held this May in the capital of Uzbekistan.
A glance at the junior and cadet rankings highlights the diversity and competitiveness of the region. Athletes from Hong Kong, Korea, Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia are making their mark alongside Asia’s traditional judo strongholds. Korea’s Hyeonji Lee currently holds the number two spot in the world rankings in the over 78 kg girls’ category, while an Indian judoka is ranked fourth globally in the under 63 kg division. Promising talents such as Abdulaziz Alsaadi and Abbas Al Furaiji from Saudi Arabia and Iraq are also rising fast, sharing the stage with top athletes from Japan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.
With such depth of talent and strategic investment, the foundations are being laid for a new generation of judo stars across the Americas and Asia.
