Tributes have been paid to Japan's Chonosuke Takaki ©IJF

Tributes have been paid by the International Judo Federation (IJF) to Chonosuke Takaki, after it was announced that the Japanese judo champion and coach has died at the age of 68.

The All Japan Judo Federation informed the IJF of the death of their Executive Board member on December 6.

Takaki’s greatest success came at the 1973 World Judo Championships in Lausanne, the eighth edition of the event.

He secured the men’s over-93 kilogram title in the Olympic capital in Switzerland, defeating Jibilo Nizharadze of China in the gold medal match.

The Japanese judoka claimed bronze in the event two years later in Austrian capital Vienna.

Takaki, who graduated from Nihon University and entered the Metropolitan Police Department, retired from competition at the age of 33.

Chonosuke Takaki helped coach Makoto Takimoto, who won Olympic gold at Sydney 2000 ©Getty Images
Chonosuke Takaki helped coach Makoto Takimoto, who won Olympic gold at Sydney 2000 ©Getty Images

He would take on a coaching role at his former university in 1984, with his influence being felt by numerous Japanese athletes.

This included Makoto Takimoto, who claimed the men's under-81kg gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The IJF praised his work in educating thousands of young people "through the practice of judo for the benefit of the society".

"The judo community would like to express its sincere condolences to his family and friends through this difficult time," the governing body added.