Since assuming leadership of the Egyptian Judo Federation (EJF), Mr Mohamed Motei has made youth development a central pillar of the federation’s strategic priorities. This approach reflects the national direction set by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, under whose leadership Egypt has launched a comprehensive Human Development Strategy aimed at building human capital and empowering future generations.
Within this national framework and in close co-operation with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the EJF has implemented the Judo for Children initiative. The programme positions judo not only as a competitive sport but also as an educational tool capable of contributing to social inclusion, personal growth and long-term societal development.
The Judo for Children initiative is fully aligned with the IJF’s global vision which emphasises the importance of introducing judo at an early age. By expanding grassroots participation, the programme lays the foundation for the sport’s future while embedding core judo values from the very first steps onto the tatami: respect, discipline, ethics, self-control and social responsibility.
The initiative aims to expand judo participation across Egypt, identify and develop young talent through structured long-term pathways, promote social inclusion through sport, and reinforce judo’s values within Egyptian society. Its primary focus is on children born from 2018 onwards, ensuring early engagement and sustainable athlete development. At the same time, particular attention is given to talented and highly motivated children from economically disadvantaged families, offering them opportunities that extend far beyond sporting results.
A defining strength of the Judo for Children initiative is its comprehensive and sustainable support model. The programme is designed to develop well-rounded individuals, not only successful competitors. Participating children and their families benefit from financial support to remove economic barriers to participation. Nutritional and psychological development programmes help ensure healthy growth, while comprehensive medical care and ongoing health supervision safeguard children’s wellbeing. Educational support is also integrated, reinforcing the importance of balance between sport, school and personal life.
In addition, all participants are provided with free access to training facilities, qualified coaches and judo uniforms. This inclusive environment ensures that commitment, motivation and values matter more than background, while creating equal opportunities for all children to develop their potential.
Within its first year of implementation, the Judo for Children initiative has already achieved significant reach and impact. A total of 1,080 children have been registered across several regions of Egypt, reflecting both nationwide engagement and strong local support. Young judoka involved in the programme have recorded encouraging results in age-group competitions, including medal-winning performances at the African Youth Games in Angola.
Looking ahead, further international participation is anticipated, with promising prospects at major events such as the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in 2026. Beyond competition results, the initiative has enriched the Egyptian judo ecosystem significantly by establishing a broad, inclusive and rapidly expanding grassroots base. Growth has been particularly strong among female athletes, with girls now participating widely across the country, underlining judo’s accessibility and universal appeal.
The Egyptian Judo Federation is honoured to work under the leadership of the IJF. The EJF remains fully committed to advancing the IJF’s mission and strategic objectives, while also promoting innovative approaches to the sport, including initiatives such as Judo on the Beach, which have gained recognition both nationally and internationally.
The Judo for Children initiative stands as a strong model for youth development, social inclusion and international co-operation through sport. By investing in children, values and opportunity, the EJF is strengthening judo at grassroots level while contributing to the development of confident, disciplined and socially responsible young people. In Egypt, judo is becoming a tool for education and empowerment, shaping the future both on and off the tatami.