Saeid Mollaei’s Journey Forward with Para-Judo
Saeid Mollaei has long been a name synonymous with excellence on the tatami. A world champion in 2018 and silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he remained a strong contender for Olympic qualification up until last year. Although he held the necessary ranking to compete in Paris, circumstances prevented him from fully pursuing that path. Yet, Mollaei’s story is far from over—in fact, he is stepping into a new chapter, filled with fresh challenges and renewed purpose. Currently, he is in Georgia attending the IBSA Judo World Cup Tbilisi 2025, embracing a new mission in the world of Para-judo.
Mollaei has recently joined the IBSA/IJF Joint Working Commission, a role that opens new doors and aligns with his passion for the sport. Speaking about this shift, he shares his thoughts on his evolving role and what lies ahead. “Being here feels like being with family—my judo family. I’m part of the IJF team now, and also involved with IBSA. It feels great to be in this environment. I live in Germany, where I continue to work in judo. It’s more than a job for me—it’s my life. I especially enjoy working with the younger generation. They’re eager to learn, and I enjoy passing on what I’ve experienced. It comes naturally, and most importantly, it brings me joy.”
Alongside his practical involvement in judo, Mollaei is also deepening his knowledge through academic means. He’s actively enrolled in the IJF Academy, where he’s completing weekly assessments in preparation for hands-on training. “It’s a fascinating journey,” he says. “I’m constantly learning new things, and it keeps me motivated.”
His connection to Para-judo isn’t new. He has worked with the German IBSA team before, though not in a permanent capacity. Those earlier experiences sparked a deeper interest, which has now grown into a formal commitment. His appearance in Tbilisi marks his first official role as part of the IBSA/IJF Joint Working Commission. “I’m excited to see how we can grow Para-judo together. It’s a shared effort, and I’m eager to contribute.”
At the heart of it all, Mollaei emphasizes one thing: judo itself. “We’re all connected through this sport. While there are organizational differences between IJF and IBSA, we are united by a shared language—judo. That’s what I want to bring into the IBSA community. Right now, I’m here to observe, to learn, and to gain insight. This is just the beginning. Later, I’ll bring my own experience and vision to help us move forward together.”
He also expresses admiration for the professionalism of the IJF. “Their structure and expertise are evident not only on the mat but at every stage of the sport. I see great value in bringing that same level of organization into the world of Para-judo. The welcome I received here has been heartwarming. That’s the beauty of judo—we may come from different backgrounds, but we speak one language.”
Looking ahead, Mollaei hopes to strengthen the ties between IJF and IBSA. “I’m learning a lot in this role, and I’ll do everything I can to connect our communities. Here in Georgia, I saw Paralympic and world champions competing—it’s inspiring. The standard in Para-judo has come a long way, but there’s still potential to grow. I want to be part of that progress. And I’ll always be grateful to the judo family for standing by me throughout my journey.”
Although his days as an international competitor may be behind him, Mollaei hasn’t stepped away from the mat entirely. He continues to compete for his club in Germany, simply for the joy of it. For him, 2025 is more than just a new year—it marks a pivotal moment in his life. With his passion, experience, and energy, there’s no doubt he will continue to make a meaningful impact within the global judo community, a family he holds close to his heart.
