The Swedish Judo Federation has been awarded the prestigious Sports Association of the Year 2025 by the Swedish Central Association for the Promotion of Sports, recognising the federation’s exceptional achievements both on and off the tatami. Throughout 2025, the Swedish Judo Federation demonstrated both breadth and elite excellence, securing numerous medals at the Nordic Championships alongside new European Championship medals. This competitive success has been achieved whilst simultaneously investing in diversity, sustainability and accessibility initiatives that have made judo a sport for everyone in Sweden.
The federation’s leadership continues to inspire the broader Swedish sports community, serving as a model for how national organisations can balance high performance with inclusive participation and sustainable development. Federation President Kristiina Pekkola expressed profound gratitude for the recognition whilst emphasising the collective effort behind the achievement.
“Receiving the 2025 Sports Federation of the Year award from the Swedish Central Association for the Promotion of Sports is a great honour that reflects the commitment, strength and unity of our entire judo family,” Pekkola stated. “This distinction is not only recognition of our athletic success but also of our solid and long-term strategic work initiated in 2012.”
Pekkola highlighted the federation’s fundamental ambition: “It represents our goal to make judo a sport where everyone can feel welcome and included, regardless of background, age or circumstances. A lifelong journey for all, from grassroots to elite, from children to veterans.”
The Swedish Judo Federation views the award as both validation of past efforts and inspiration for future development. “We accept this award with deep gratitude and humility and see it as powerful inspiration to continue developing Swedish judo and Swedish sport for the future, built on respect, community and equal opportunities for all,” Pekkola concluded.
The award is scheduled to be presented during the Swedish Championships in Skurup on 7–8 February 2026, providing an opportunity for the entire Swedish judo community to celebrate this significant achievement. The European Judo Union congratulates the Swedish Judo Federation, President Kristiina Pekkola and the entire Swedish judo community on this well-deserved recognition.
Author: EJU Media