The Sierra Leone Judo Association (SLJA) will tomorrow, Saturday, February 28, 2026, commence the sixth edition of the Japan Embassy Judo Championship at the YWCA New Hall in Brookfields, Freetown.
According to SLJA President Idriss Massaquoi, the Association has maintained a strong working relationship with the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, which has consistently partnered with the federation to organize the annual championship.
He noted that this year’s sixth edition is being staged in collaboration with the All Japan Judo Federation, reinforcing the spirit of judo, cultural exchange, and the enduring bond between Sierra Leone and Japan.
“Judo is a traditional Japanese sport, and although Japan does not have an embassy in Sierra Leone, the Embassy in Ghana represents them here. Every year, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana travels to Sierra Leone to grace this championship, demonstrating their commitment to the growth of judo in our country,” Massaquoi explained.
He emphasized that the championship will feature participants from Bo, Kenema, Kabala, and Freetown, who will compete across various weight categories. The Japan Embassy will provide medals, certificates signed by the Ambassador, and other prizes for outstanding performers.
Massaquoi, who also serves as Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, underscored that the Embassy’s support extends beyond the annual tournament. He revealed that last year the Embassy donated judo mats to the federation and has continued to expand its assistance to strengthen the development of the sport nationwide.
He further disclosed that several top sporting dignitaries are expected to attend the event, including the Minister of Sports, representatives from the National Sports Authority (NSA), and NOC-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley.
The annual Japan Embassy Judo Championship has become a key fixture on Sierra Leone’s sporting calendar, serving not only as a competitive platform for young judokas but also as a symbol of international friendship and cooperation.
As anticipation builds for the sixth edition, stakeholders believe the tournament will once again highlight the steady growth of judo across the country while deepening cultural ties between Sierra Leone and Japan.