Throwback: Life-time experience Miklos Ungvari in IJF education tour through India

The judo educational journey through India, organised by the International Judo Federation and the Judo Federation of Indian helped to lift the veil on judo on the Indian subcontinent. We take you back in time to 2016 when Ungvari made a promotion tour in India.

During two weeks, from September 29 to October 12, the IJF experts travelled in the northern part of the country to explore the nests of judo development and they could see that there was a real attraction for the ‘gentle way'. Over fifteen sessions were held during the journey in nine (9) cities: Agra, Haridwar, Dehradun, Jallandhdar, Gurdaspur, Narnaul, Rohtak, Sonipat and New Delhi. Each session involved large numbers of judoka, and all together more than 3,000 young people and judo teachers took part in the event.

For the first time also, the International Federation had included in its ranks the world and Olympic medallist Miklos Ungvari (HUN). Resting from the last Olympic cycle and his recent fifth place at the Rio Games (silver medallist in London in 2012, three times world medalist and three times European Champion), Miklos was able, throughout the tour, to share his passion for judo and his experience at the highest level, for the enjoyment of all the judoka. His good humour and professionalism were appreciated by all.

Ungvari said: “I came here without any precise idea of what I will find. I must say that the whole tour was absolutely amazing. Everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed. And warmly is probable not enough to describe what I feel today. I have found thousands of people who are passionate for our sport and this is incredible. This journey is a life-time experience for me. I will not be the same after it.“

IJF President Marius Vizer: “The Judo Educational Journey through India, organized for the very first time in this part of the world, was a real success. I want to congratulate all the people from the IJF, to the Judo Federation of India and the regional and local organisations for all the work done to make this event a success. Judo can bring important values to the society. Through a journey like that we are able to carry them all directly to the judo population and beyond."