It is a great honor for me to receive this medal as a judoka simply at the service of Jigoro Kano’s idea: the education of mankind for the improvement of the society.

I want to congratulate Jean-Luc Rougé for having been awarded with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette and for his contribution to the development of judo worldwide. Mr. Rougé, who was a fantastic champion is today a key person within our organization. It is a pleasure and honor to work with him for the development of our sport.