IJF President Marius Vizer addressed the Congresses of three Confederations, including Africa ©IJF

Newly re-elected International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius Vizer has urged National Federations around the world "to strive to achieve more and more" as the sport begins preparing for Tokyo 2020.

Vizer was elected for a new four-year term at the IJF Ordinary Congress here on Friday (August 25) by acclamation.

The Romanian has led the world governing body since 2007 during which he has overseen a growth in the sport's fortunes, expanding the World Tour and increasing prize money from $75,000 (£58,000/€63,000) for its top events when he took over to $1.4 million (£1.1 million/€1.2 million) last year.

The IJF also currently has $31 million (£24 million/€26 million) in cash reserves. 

National Federations from around the world were urged to continue promoting judo ©EJU
National Federations from around the world were urged to continue promoting judo ©EJU

Vizer visited the Congresses of the African Judo Union, Judo Union of Asia and European Judo Union (EJU) which took place here to coincide with the IJF Suzuki World Championships, due to start at the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena tomorrow.

He underlined the importance of each country in helping to continue develop the sport, particularly in the build-up to the 2020 Olympic Games where judo will return to its spiritual home of Japan. 

It will also be a landmark occasion for the sport as the mixed team event will be making its debut on the Olympic programme.

Judo made its Olympic debut the last time Tokyo hosted the Games, in 1964. 

"We are ready to take on board your ideas and to support you in all areas," Vizer said.

"I would like to emphasise the importance of the role of the National Federation Presidents.

"The future of judo in each country is in the hands of its National Federation President and you must have motivation, determination and authority in this role. 

"You have to be highly involved and manage your Federation to the best of your ability and build up judo in your countries.

"We are a united judo family and we have to strive to achieve more and more. 

"We must never be satisfied."

Marius Vizer was given a special award by European Judo Union President Sergey Soloveychik ©EJU
Marius Vizer was given a special award by European Judo Union President Sergey Soloveychik ©EJU

Vizer received the EJU Award dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the IJF from its President Sergey Soloveychik.

During a speech, Vizer highlighted the IJF's new collaboration deal with American broadcaster CNN, who will air a monthly feature on judo. 

"We've accomplished many things together over the last few years and judo is now placed as one of the highest sports in the world," he told delegates at the EJU Congress.

"The IJF's partnership with CNN is an example of how far the sport has come and is the platform for you all to be able to attract more sponsors and revenue for your Federations.

"The positive image of our sport is something that we can all be proud of and we have all worked hard to achieve it."