The IJF and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed an agreement on 24 October 2025 confirming that the inaugural World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace will be held in the DRC in 2026. The agreement was signed by IJF President Marius Vizer and the DRC's Minister of Sports and Leisure Didier Budimbu Nutuwanga.
The competition uses a continental team format — the first time the IJF has organised a team event by continent rather than by nation, running alongside the existing mixed-team World Championships. Specific dates and host city are yet to be announced.
The continental-team concept has been discussed in international judo circles for some time; this African-led edition aligns with the IJF's broader push to develop judo on the African continent. For Hong Kong readers, this event is worth tracking as a possible signal of future IJF competition-format adjustments.
Full article: eJudo