Tokayev Honors International Leader: Chairman of JFJ Federation Receives Prestigious ‘Friendship’ Medal

(Kazakhstan International News Agency) According to the Press Office of the Presidential Palace, on the 30th, Head of State Hastyom-Zhomart Tokayev met with Marius Wiese, Chairman of the International Judo Federation (IJF), at the Presidential Palace. .

President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to Wiese for his contribution to the promotion and development of judo and pointed out that judo is very popular in Kazakhstan, especially among teenagers.

-I believe that your visit is of great significance in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between Kazakhstan and the International Judo Federation. Judo occupies a unique position in the global sports world and is also very popular in our country. There are a large number of judo training classes and centers across the country, with more than 160,000 adults and teenagers participating. We are extremely proud of athlete Jeredos Smetov for winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. We hope to establish a closer working relationship with the International Judo Federation. – President Tokayev stated.

Wiese thanked President Tokayev for his support of judo.

-It is an honor to come to Kazakhstan. Thank you and the Kazakhstan government for your support of judo and sports. Sport is not only a tool for education and social integration, but also a symbol of peace. Members of our judo family are united and committed to cultivating useful talents who can better integrate into society. – he expressed.

Wiese also revealed that the International Judo Federation plans to establish an IJF Academy in Astana, which will become an important center for training high-level coaches and referees in Central Asia.

Photo: Akorda

The two sides exchanged views on the prospects for long-term cooperation between Kazakhstan and the International Judo Federation and discussed preparations for hosting the Judo World Championships in Kazakhstan in 2027.

At the end of the meeting, President Tokayev awarded Wiese a second-level Order of Friendship in recognition of his contribution to the development of judo in Kazakhstan.

[Compiled by: Ayao]