Japanese ambassador Keiko Haneda has been presented with an honorary black belt ©Judo Federation of North Macedonia

Japanese ambassador Keiko Haneda has suggested the Tokyo 2020 Olympics can help inspire young judokas in North Macedonia after she was presented with an honorary black belt.

Judo Federation of North Macedonia President Vladimir Trpanoski and vice-president Goran Antevski presented Haneda with the belt and a unique plaque.

The organisation said the award recognised Haneda's four-year commitment to supporting the development of judo.

Haneda's personal engagement with sport and the community in North Macedonia was also acknowledged by the officials.

Haneda, who became the ambassador in 2017, expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the acknowledgement.

She vowed to continue to support development activities and the promotion of judo, as part of efforts to forge closer relationships between North Macedonia and Japan.

The Judo Federation of North Macedonia thanked Keiko Haneda for her continued support ©Judo Federation of North Macedonia
The Judo Federation of North Macedonia thanked Keiko Haneda for her continued support ©Judo Federation of North Macedonia

Haneda also suggested the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games could further aid the promotion of judo in North Macedonia.

The Japanese Embassy is expected to continue to provide equipment and the opportunity for judokas to train in Japan. 

The ceremony also saw discussions over the next activities of a project which sees Japan donate equipment to the federation.

The Judo Federation of North Macedonia, which is based in Skopje, says development and exposure are the organisation's key priorities.

The national federation has been supported by the International Judo Federation in helping 10 schools in the country.

The support is claimed to have laid the foundations for further exposure of the sport to potential new judokas.