Kh. Battulga is not only President of Mongolia, he is also President of the Mongolian Judo Association and, like Vladimir Putin, himself a skilled judoka. Earlier this week, Mongolia’s head of state had a meeting with Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation.

Mr Vizer travelled to Mongolia following the Tokyo Grand Slam, the penultimate event of the IJF season, after being invited by President Battulga.

In a ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, Mr Vizer was awarded the Order of the Polar Star, the highest distinction that foreigners can receive in Mongolia, for his contribution to the development of judo in the world.

President Vizer awarded President Battulga with a 6th Dan Diploma.

The International Judo Federation and the Mongolian Judo Association also signed a partnership agreement for Judo in Schools, where the IJF will support the implementation of the project in 15 different regions in Mongolia.

Mr. Vizer also visited the Mongolian national team and the dojo where they train.