Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia conducted an open Saudi judo championship for Ambassador's Cup in collaboration with Saudi Judo and Jiujitsu Federation and Public Security Training Affairs in Riyadh. The championship was consisted of kumite competitions in various weight categories, kata — demonstration of pre-arranged patterns — and self defense technique. Ambassador Norihiro Okuda awarded prizes to the winners. The Ambassador appreciated the skills and techniques, discipline and manners of Saudi judokas. Japanese martial art judo is a sport of self-improvement, showing respect to others. It has been practiced in local schools and military training for equipping such virtues through training. Japan and Saudi Arabia have exchanged the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of sports in 2015. The recent visits of King Salman and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman further invigorated the exchange and cooperation in the field. The Embassy has invited a number of distinguished coaches here, including judo, and has been supporting the national players preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The judo event was attended by Major General Mohammed Al-Shareef, Vice Commander of Public Security Training Affairs, Muammar Al-Muammar, Vice President of Saudi Judo and Jiujitsu Federation, and other dignitaries of Public Security and the Judo Federation. — SG
