Rougé has been President of the French Judo Federation (FFJ) since 2005 but will now vacate the role to put all his energy into his role at the IJF where he will work closely alongside Austrian President of the organisation Marius Vizer.

The 62-year-old from Hauts-de-Seine has a long history in the sport, becoming the first world champion in the history of French judo in 1975, and he said he is excited ahead of the job.

"I have a mission," Rougé said.

"After several years of strong development we must now secure the overall IJF structure and modernise the way it works.

"Sport has been a priority, and it is still the case, but we must now get focussed on the administrative development.

"That will be my duty with President Vizer and his team."

Rougé takes over the role from Hedi Dhouib of Hungary who has been in the position for 18 years.

"Times have not always been easy, but it has been a real pleasure to serve international judo during so many years," said Dhouib.

"I am so happy to be a member of the judo family and I am so proud that I have contributed to the expansion of judo, particularly, during the past years under the presidency of Mr Vizer."

Later in the Congress, Dhouib received the IJF gold medal for all his years of dedication to judo, while the Hungarian was also re-elected member of the IJF board in Paris with special missions to help the President and the new secretary general.

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