In keeping with this extraordinary year, a new format was introduced for the IJF Judo Awards. For the first time, national federations could submit nominees. The judo family then voted to create a short list for each category. An IJF expert panel selected the winners from those finalists.

On day 2 of the Paris Grand Slam, the awards were presented to an exceptional group of judoka, both coaches and athletes, in front of an appreciative crowd inside the Accor Arena Bercy.

Award 1: Judo for Children, presented by IJF World Promotion Director Mr Haruki Uemura.

Winner: France Judo

This is one of the most inspiring categories, focusing on the future of our sport. This award recognises the exceptional efforts to inspire, guide and nurture the next generation of judoka, ensuring a lasting legacy of judo for years to come. The award was presented to Mr Stéphane Nomis, France Judo President and to Sebastien Nolesini, Director General.

This year's finalists:

• Adaptive Judo for Children
• The Japanese Olympic champions vs the IJF Judo Kids at the Tokyo Grand Slam
• France Judo’s creation of 300 dojos for children in underprivileged neighbourhoods.

Award 2: Judo for Peace, presented by IJF Vice President and President of the AJU Mr Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko

Winner: Roberto Orlando and Judo for Peace South Africa

The Judo for Peace award honours initiatives that go beyond competition, using judo to promote education, foster positive values and inspire unity. The award was presented to Nicolas Messner, IJF Judo for Peace Director and co-director of the programme, on behalf of Roberto Orlando.

This year's finalists:

• The Olympic Refugee Team
• Judo for Peace South Africa
• Judo in Kakuma, Kenya

Award 3: Moment of the Year, presented by IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan.

Winner: Diyora Keldiyorova with her astounding victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

This award honours the unforgettable moments of 2024 that resonated deeply with the judo family. It celebrates not only triumphs but also the values that elevate our sport to something truly extraordinary.

This year’s finalists:

• Diyora Keldiyorova's astounding victory
• The Paris Olympic Mixed Team final: JPN vs FRA
• Baasankhuu Bavuudorj's journey to becoming an Olympic medallist

Award 4: Coaching Achievement of the Year.

This award celebrates coaches who, with their wisdom, passion and unwavering support, have guided their athletes to achieve greatness.

This year's finalists:

• Richard Trautmann (AZE)
• Marko Spittka (UZB)
• Baptiste Leroy (FRA)

Each of these coaches has provided an unrivalled environment for their athletes, creating the conditions for them to reach extraordinary levels within their sport, inspiring others as great coaches and incredible role models. All three coaches have contributed to international judo in 2024 and therefore each of them received an award according to their specific area of expertise.

The first, presented by IJF General Treasurer Mr Naser Al Tamimi, was for the team Coaching Achievement of the Year.

Winner: Baptiste Leroy (FRA), for his leadership guiding the French men’s team to 10 Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Games. The award was presented by Dr Naser Al Tamimi, IJF General Treasurer.

The second, presented by IJF Vice President and President of the JUA Mr Obaid Al-Anzi, was for the Coaching Achievement of the Year (female).

Winner: Marko Spittka (UZB), for leading Diyora Keldiyorova to Uzbekistan’s first Olympic gold in judo.

The third, presented by IJF Coaching and Education Director Mr Mohamed Meridja, was for the Coaching Achievement of the Year (male).

Winner: Richard Trautmann (AZE), for Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev making history, both winning world and Olympic titles in a single year.

Award 5: Rising Star of the Year, presented by IJF Director General Mr Vlad Marinescu.

Winner: Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA).

This award celebrates nominees who shine brightly today and hold the promise of greatness for tomorrow.

This year's finalists:

• Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA)
• Tara Babulfath (SWE)
• Nihad Mamishov (AZE)

This award recognises the extraordinary impact of this young Olympic silver medallist and his key victory against Hifumi Abe in the Olympic mixed team final.

Award 6: Female Judoka of the Year, presented by IJF Vice-President and PJC President, Mr Carlos Zegarra Presser, to Canada’s Head Coach, Antoine Valois-Fortier on behalf of Christa Deguchi.

Winner: Christa Deguchi CAN).

This award honours the Female Judoka of the Year, selected by public vote, to celebrate the very best in women's judo.

This year's finalists:

• Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB)
• Christa Deguchi (CAN)
• Beatriz Souza (BRA)

Award 7: Male Judoka of the Year, presented by Dr Laszlo Toth, IJF Vice-President and EJU President.

Winner: Hidayat Heydarov (AZE)

This award honours the Male Judoka of the Year, chosen by a public vote to celebrate the pinnacle of excellence in men’s judo.

This year's finalists:

• Hidayat Heydarov (AZE)
• Yeldos Smetov (KAZ)
• Lasha Bekauri (GEO)

Award 8: Ippon of the Year, presented by the IJF President, Mr Marius Vizer.

Winner: Teddy Riner (FRA) for his harai-goshi in the 2024 Olympic final.

What could be more thrilling than a perfectly executed throw? The nominees for Ippon of the Year embody the very essence of mastery and excellence in judo.

This year's finalists:

• Matvey Kanikovskiy (IJF)
• Teddy Riner (FRA)
• Manuel Lombardo (ITA)

As the ceremony concluded and the winners were applauded once more, it was clearer than ever that 2024 was an extraordinary vintage in the world of judo. There have been unforgetable performances and new milestones at the Olympic Games and throughout the year. 2024 truly showcased the essence of our sport.