Is para judo popular

Para judo is a Paralympic sport with a dedicated global following, but it remains relatively niche compared to mainstream judo or more prominent Paralympic sports like wheelchair basketball or athletics. It has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1988 in Seoul, which gives it a long-standing presence in the Paralympic movement. The sport is most popular in countries with strong judo traditions, such as Japan, Russia (competing as neutral athletes in recent years), Azerbaijan, and Brazil. These nations invest in para judo programs and consistently produce competitive athletes at international levels. The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) governs para judo globally and organizes World Championships and Grand Prix events, which help maintain a competitive international circuit. Participation has grown steadily over the decades, with more countries developing national programs. However, media coverage and public awareness remain limited outside of Paralympic Games years. Funding and infrastructure for para judo athletes can be inconsistent, particularly in countries without strong judo cultures or robust Paralympic sports programs. Overall, para judo is respected within the Paralympic community and has a passionate core following, but it has not yet achieved widespread mainstream popularity.