The birthday party took place on Saturday 16th December at the Tivoli Hotel, Lisbon. If the exact date of the creation of the federation is 28th October, a symbolic anniversary since it corresponds to the birth of the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano Shihan, the annual evening is always celebrated in December, in order to close the season.
Once again, the Portuguese Judo Federation had reason to rejoice, after a year full of emotions and results. It all started in January with the now annual Grand Prix Portugal, which will launch the 2024 season in a few weeks as well. In October, Portugal also hosted the 2023 Junior World Championships in Odivelas.
On behalf of President Marius Vizer and the IJF, Dr Lisa Allan awarded the IJF gold medal to Joaquim Pina, President of the Portuguese Judo Federation. She said, "Congratulations to President Pina and his team on their achievements and work over the past 64 years." She then asked them to continue working together to develop and promote judo and wished them all the best for 2024, especially the athletes qualifying for the Olympic and Paralympics.
Happy birthday to the Portuguese Judo Federation!