Among seventy-two sports, including giants such as ice hockey, athletics, volleyball, swimming, skiing and table tennis, judo emerged as the reference point, a model of how performance, development and social responsibility can progress together.
The award ceremony took place during the Swedish Judo Championships in Skurup on 7th and 8th February, in front of the national judo community, giving the distinction a particularly emotional flavour.
Success on and off the Tatami
This recognition reflects a year in which Swedish judo managed to combine several dimensions of excellence. Internationally, athletes delivered remarkable results, collecting medals at the Nordic Championships and adding new podium finishes at European level and on the World Judo Tour. The strength of the elite pathway has been matched by the breadth of development across clubs, ensuring that success is shared nationwide.
At the same time, the federation has invested heavily in inclusion, diversity and sustainability. Projects aimed at widening participation have opened the doors of the dojo to new communities, reinforcing the idea that judo is truly a sport for everyone. Innovative local activities, educational programmes and strong leadership have helped create an environment where athletes can grow not only in performance but also as people.
In every aspect, the core values of judo, respect, friendship, humility and self-control, have remained guiding principles.
A Collective Achievement
For federation president Kristiina Pekkola, the award belongs to the entire community. “Receiving the 2025 Sports Federation of the Year award from the Swedish Central Association for the Promotion of Sports is a great honour that reflects the commitment, strength and unity of our whole judo family,” she said. “This distinction recognises not only our sporting success but also the long-term strategic work that began in 2012. It represents our ambition to make judo a place where everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of background, age or circumstances; a lifelong journey for all, from grassroots to elite, from children to veterans. We accept this award with deep gratitude and humility and see it as powerful inspiration to continue developing Swedish judo and Swedish sport for the future, built on respect, community and equal opportunities for all.”
Being chosen among so many major sports sends a strong message. It confirms that judo’s educational mission and community spirit resonate far beyond the tatami. It also shows that sustained vision, patience and teamwork can transform ambitions into lasting impact.
For Swedish judo, the trophy is not a finish line. It is motivation to go further, together.