A Mongolian delegation of Government and Sporting Officials visited the British Judo Performance Institute last week to establish a working relationship in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Welcoming the delegation, which included the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Miyegombo Enkhbold, and their equivalent Sports Minister, Chairman Naranbaatar, was British Judo’s CEO Scott McCarthy, Vice Chairman Brian Davies and the Performance staff.

Also part of the delegation was the Mongolian National Olympic Committee Secretary General, Liaison Officer, Embassy of Mongolia First Secretary and Trade and Economic Affairs Minister, Ambassador of Mongolia, Foreign Relations, Information and Technology Minister.

The nation is mostly known for its strong background in wrestling, but has quickly become a merging force in the world of judo since their gold medal win at the 2008 Olympic Games. With some top results since, judo has become Mongolia’s primary Olympic sport.

The delegation was taken on a tour of the Institute’s facilities, with guidance from BJA’s Performance Operations Manager Karen Roberts and Head Coach Patrick Roux and watched the Strength and Conditioning staff put some of the British athletes through their paces.

The two nations then discussed their programmes, visions and opportunities for future exchanges, of benefit to both elite squads.