The concept was formed by the International Judo Federation (IJF) in 2007 and is in the process of being implemented in the South Asian region for the first time. [break]
The objective of Judo for Peace Commission, formed by the IJF in 2007, is to fulfill its social responsibility focusing on peace and reconciliation, according to Jan Erik Schiotz, who is the head director of the commission.
Judo for Peace Commission has been providing support to conflict-hit African nations and has also pledged its support for the South Asian countries.
“We have been providing education in countries like Haiti, Rwanda and Burundi. The kind of support that we will extend to Nepal and other countries will depend upon the proposals of the respective countries,” said Erik.
“Judo is more than just a sport. It can be used as a tool to promote peace,” said Erik. The Norwegian further said that the principle of Judo for Peace Commission is to lend support to the poor families and to concentrate on victims and orphans.
Erik said that most of the sports bodies are centered on organizing tournaments but this commission is aimed at uplifting the underprivileged group through the medium of sports. The commission also seeks external sponsorship, according to Erik.
NJA President Deepak Harsha Bajracharya requested Erik to support the education of underprivileged children of Nepal while all other delegates from the six-member South Asian Judo Federation--India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan--presented their proposals.
NJA has been providing training to orphans, disabled children and the children of jail-inmates with the support of various non-government organizations and is seeking funds for their education.
“We want to focus on their education because without education they can´t go ahead in their life,” said Bajracharya.
Bajracharya added that the Norwegian embassy in Nepal is eager to help NJA but is held back because of the internal problems of Nepal. “The embassy has given us words that it will provide assistance once the peace process concludes,” he said.
Minister for Youth and Sports Hit Bahardu Tamang said earlier in his inaugural speech that the Judo for Peace program would definitely help in the peace process of Nepal.
“Judo for Peace Commission will play an important role in the peace process,” he said. The seminar was held on the eve of the Judo for Peace South Asian Cadet Judo Championship featuring the participation of India, Bangladesh and the host Nepal.
Altogether 96 players from Nepal, 18 from India and 9 from Bangladesh are competing in the two-day event which kicks off at the covered hall of the Dasharath Stadium on Friday.
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