More than the arrival of new equipment, the occasion marked a powerful moment of hope for the future of judo in Ethiopia. The representative of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to the development of the sport, with the long-term ambition of seeing Ethiopian judoka compete at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The ceremony opened with an address by Ethiopian Judo Association President Dr Tsegaye Degineh, “Today is not simply the inauguration of new judo mats,” he said. “Today we are celebrating opportunities, perseverance and the future of Ethiopian judo.”
The 162 mats had made a long and challenging journey before reaching Ethiopia. For Dr Degineh, they represent a new beginning and a practical commitment to children, young athletes and elite competitors alike, offering them a place to train, learn and grow through judo.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the International Judo Federation and President Marius Vizer, as well as to the Ethiopian authorities, civil society organisations, partners, athletes and all those who had helped make the project possible. He gave particular thanks to Mr Johannes Daxbacher, the shipping and transit partners and friends of the Ethiopian Judo Association.
“Judo teaches us respect, discipline, courage and perseverance,” Dr Degineh continued. “These are values that are important not only on the tatami but also in our lives.” He spoke of the energy the new mats would bring to hundreds of children and young athletes, helping them develop confidence and perhaps one day represent Ethiopia at an international level.
Her Excellency Ambassador Mulu Solomon Bizuneh, a renowned Ethiopian diplomat and the special guest of the ceremony, delivered an inspiring message centred on dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful engagement. Referring to the philosophy of judo, she underlined the importance of using and transforming an attacker’s force rather than responding with unnecessary force.
She thanked the IJF, President Vizer, the Ethiopian Finance Minister and the Lord Mayor of Dire Dawa, while recognising the decisive efforts of Mr Daxbacher, Dr Degineh, Mr Hailemariam Amara, Mr Seifu Mekonnen and all those who contributed to the project. Ambassador Solomon also highlighted the important role of the Ethiopian diaspora in supporting the country’s development and encouraged the younger generation to believe in themselves and contribute positively to Ethiopia’s future.
The formal speeches were followed by a vibrant demonstration from the children, who performed ukemi, the essential falling techniques, as well as basic judo movements, on the new tatami. Experienced judoka then demonstrated more advanced throwing techniques, illustrating both the technical beauty and educational value of the sport.
The most memorable moment came after the official ceremony had ended. So delighted were the children with the new mats that they did not want to leave. They continued to play, practise and enjoy judo together, providing a moving conclusion to a day built on partnership, perseverance and shared belief.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the individuals and organisations that had supported the long process of bringing the mats to Ethiopia. At the Adwa Victory Memorial, Ethiopian judo opened a new chapter, one in which the tatami will serve not only as a place of training but also as a space for confidence, education and opportunity.