On this occasion, the president of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizer, had the honour of meeting His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who personally attended the opening day of competition (cover image).
Under the leadership and support of President Tokayev, Kazakhstan continues to reinforce its position as a major nation within the international judo family. This commitment has now led to the signing of an important Memorandum of Understanding between the International Judo Federation and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This tripartite co-operation agreement also includes Kazakhstan’s Judo Sports Club Jenys.
At the heart of the agreement is the implementation of the IJF ‘Judo in Military Schools and Academies’ programme in Kazakhstan. Developed by the International Judo Federation, the programme aims to provide military students with both educational and physical skills through judo, promoting discipline, respect, self-control and resilience.
As part of the co-operation, the IJF will supervise and support the development of the project in close collaboration with Jenys, while the Ministry of Defence undertakes to implement the programme within military schools and academies across Kazakhstan.
The partners share an ambitious long-term vision. The project aims to create a structured and sustainable offer of judo for military students during and after their education, while strengthening co-operation between educational institutions and the judo community. Another important objective is to reinforce the visibility and image of judo through new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Kosanov Dauren Zhumatayevich, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Representing Jenys was Almaz Alsenov, Chairman of the Board and Advisor to the IJF President. The International Judo Federation was represented by Marius Vizer.
This agreement marks another important step in the expansion of educational judo initiatives worldwide and demonstrates once again how judo can contribute far beyond sport itself, helping to shape future generations through strong values, responsibility and service.