Saeid Mollaei, world champion in 2018 and Olympic silver medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has entered a new phase in his life after an outstanding career in international judo. Although last year he was still in the race for Olympic qualification for Paris 2024, he was unable to defend his chances to the end, despite having the necessary ranking. Now, Mollaei is facing new challenges and is ready to take them on. He is currently in Georgia, participating in the IBSA Judo World Cup Tbilisi 2025, but this time in a different role, with a special focus on para-judo.
Saeid Mollaei has recently been appointed as a member of the IBSA/IJF Joint Working Commission, marking a new step in his judo career. From Tbilisi, the champion shared his thoughts on this new stage, his ambitions, and his desire to contribute to the development of judo, especially in the field of para-judo: “I am here with the judo family, my judo family, as part of the IJF team and also with IBSA. It feels really good. I live in Germany and I work in judo. Judo is my life. I like working, especially with young people. I love teaching them what I know, and they are eager to learn. I am happy to work in judo.”
In addition to his work with IBSA, Mollaei continues his studies at the IJF Academy, where he combines theoretical and practical training: “I work every day, and every week I have exams before I can do the practical sessions. It’s very interesting, and I am learning a lot. I really like it.”
HIS EXPERIENCE IN PARA-JUDO
Mollaei’s connection to para-judo is not new. For years, he collaborated with the German IBSA team, although not on a permanent basis. Now, as an official member of the IBSA/IJF Joint Working Commission, his goal is to help take para-judo to the next level. “Tbilisi is my first event officially as a member of the new IBSA/IJF Joint Working Commission. I am looking forward to working with IBSA to see how we can grow para-judo,” he said.
Mollaei highlighted the similarities and differences between the IJF and IBSA but emphasized that judo is the common language that unites both organizations. “We are talking about judo, and that is the most important thing. There is a lot in common between the IJF and IBSA; there are also some differences, but judo is our common language. This is exactly what I want to bring to the IBSA family. For now, I am here to learn, discover, and understand. This is the first step. Then, I believe I can bring what I know and what I have experienced throughout my life in the sport.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF PARA-JUDO
Mollaei praised the professionalism of the IJF and expressed his desire to collaborate with IBSA to elevate para-judo to a higher level. “The IJF is a very professional organization at all levels. Not only on the tatami but in every step you take in judo, you see that the IJF has an answer. This is something I would love to collaborate on with IBSA.”
During his time in Georgia, Mollaei was impressed by the level of the competitors. “I saw that here in Georgia, there were many Paralympic and world medallists. It’s great to see such a high level. The quality of para-judo has improved so much in recent years. There is still room for improvement, and I will be happy to contribute.”
GRATITUDE TO THE JUDO FAMILY
Mollaei expressed his gratitude to the judo community for the support he has received over the years. “I will never be thankful enough to the judo family for supporting me throughout all these years.”
Although Mollaei has ended his international career, he still competes occasionally with his club in Germany, enjoying the sport he loves so much. For him, 2025 marks a turning point in his life, full of energy and new challenges. His commitment to judo and his desire to contribute to the development of para-judo reflect his passion for the sport and his dedication to the great judo family.
