ABIDJAN- The African Judo Union (AJU) honored its vice-president, Algerian Mohamed Meridja, for his unwavering commitment to judo and his efforts to promote the values of this sport, AJU announced on its official website.

"This honour recognizes Meridja's dedication to education and his unwavering commitment to judo at every level. The distinction reflects our deep appreciation for his tireless efforts in promoting judo's values and fostering excellence throughout the judo community," said AJU.

Director of Education and Coaching at the International Judo Federation (IJF) from 2007 until today, Mohamed Meridja was recently inducted as honorary president of the Algerian Judo Federation (FAJ).

As an athlete, he was twice African champion (1985 and 1986), adding a year later (1987) a gold medal at the African Games in Nairobi, Kenya. In 1981, Mohamed Meridja won the bronze medal at the Military World Championships and distinguished himself in several international tournaments.

After retiring as an athlete, Meridja was appointed national coach between 1991 and 1993, before running for president of the Algerian Judo Federation (FAJ) where he was elected as its head in 1993 and remained until 2009. During his presidency of the FAJ, where he was also vice-president of the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee (COA), Algeria won the women's team bronze medal at the 2005 World Judo Championships in Cairo (Egypt), in addition to two world titles and two medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

He was also re-elected recently as vice-president of the African Judo Union, during the body’s elective general assembly.