Ambitious dojo goal by French Judo Federation

With less than 1,000 days to go until the Paris 2024 Olympics the French Judo Federation has set a goal of establishing 1,000 new dojos in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The lofty goal has been set with the social and educational benefits the sport offers in mind, and France Judo is liaising with the state, sponsors and the National Sports Agency to try and achieve it.

The scheme's first new dojo is due to be inaugurated on Wednesday in Nanterre.

Hervé Morin, the President of Normandy, has also met with France Judo President Stéphane Nomis, with plans afoot for 30 new dojos to be set up in the region.

France Judo's plan revolves around identifying vacant premises, working with public and private partners to re-fit the facility as a dojo, and then either set up a new club to run it or join forces with an existing club or community group.

Nomis has also met with Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu and Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon to discuss the project.

Working alongside the state and with sponsors reduces costs and makes the project more realistic, France Judo insists.

France is one of the world's leading judo powers and the nation is second on the sport's all-time Olympic medals table, behind only Japan.

French judoka won eight medals at Tokyo 2020, including the mixed team title.

Clarisse Agbegnenou, at under-63 kilograms, also won a solo gold medal and is the reigning world champion.