The International Judo Federation (IJF) Congress, the first official and public business on the occasion of the 2015 World Championships, took place recently at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Among those addressing delegates during the congress was Envic Galea, head of the Maltese Judo Federation and IJF Academy director.

He summed up a report for the last two years of the academy and introduced a brand new website, now running in six languages – English, French, Italian, Georgian, Spanish and Turkish – with other languages being planned.

In his address Marius L. Vizer, president of the IJF, said judo continues to reach a wider spectrum.

“Our events show our dynamic rules are generating more active judo and they are appreciated by athletes and fans,” he said.

“Our sport has undergone massive development… practitioners and heroes join together for 19 global events each year.

“In 2014 there was a cumulative TV audience of 176 million people with over 3,000 hours broadcast.”

Galea said that during the World Championships, several appointments were planned.

In fact, during the next semester, starting in 2016, the IJF Academy will be visiting all five continents to established itself as a national qualification system for coaches.

“The academy is already established in Italy, Turkey and Georgia,” Galea noted.

“A special academic course for coaches, put forward by national federations, has three levels and already attracted interest from 48 countries with 91 graduates so far. This also thanks to the support of the Olympic Solidarity.”

The IJF also holds seminars in refereeing, showing unity and continuity with the next seminar planned for the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo at the end of January.

Meanwhile, the 67th Ordinary Congress of the European Judo Union, represented by 36 member nations, was also held in Astana last month.

Galea, the EJU general secretary, led delegates through the points and introduced bureau members responsible for various sectors including refereeing, marketing and education, treasury and administrative matters.

During the assembly, Kosovo became the 51st member of the European judo organisation.