Kosei Inoue Poised for National and Global Judo Leadership Posts
The men's under 100-kg division gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics is in the running for new administrative posts with the All Japan Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation.
According to published reports, Inoue was formally approved as a candidate for the AJJF's board of directors during the organization's online meeting on Thursday, June 5. An election for the board's new members will be held on June 24.
Ken Takayama, secretary general of Japan's judo governing body, believes Inoue is an ideal candidate to serve in a leadership role.
"He has a strong sense of unity, knowledge of judo and energy. We have high expectations of him in all aspects," Takayama was quoted as saying by The Sankei Shimbun .
Inoue, who turned 47 on May 15, previously served as the Japan men's national team head coach, including at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the pandemic-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games. He also served on the AJJF's strengthening committee as a vice chairman.
After stepping down as head coach in 2021, Inoue reiterated his passion for the sport.
"Judo and sports will remain my contributions to the world," Inoue said at the time.
In related news, All Japan Judo Federation President Shinichi Nakamura is expected to be reappointed for another term.
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