Educational tours have previously taken place in China, northern Canada, Oceania and Australia, with these successful editions prompting hopes for further success in India.

The launch in front of one of the seven wonders of the world in Agra took place ahead of IJF representatives travelling around the north of the country to spread judo's message.

Indian Judo Federation President Mukesh Kumar was present for programme’s start, with the general secretary of the Asian Judo Union expressing his hope that the initiative will provide strong benefits.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Indian judo to promote the values of our sport throughout our territory, but it will also give a great virility to Indian judo worldwide," Kumar said.

"Our sport is different from any other activity and our values are important for the society."

Hungary’s world and Olympic medallist Ungvari Miklos got the tour underway by hosting an "extraordinary" judo session with several participants.

The three-time World Championship bronze medallist, who won men’s under-66 kilogram silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games, is one of several experts who will work on the educational tour.

After the Arga leg of the tour, Haridwar, Dehradun, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Sonipat, Rohtak and Narnaul will all be visited in the coming weeks.

The final stage of the tour will then take place in New Delhi, before the IJF delegation travel to neighbouring Nepal.

They will meet judoka who were affected by the Nepal earthquake, which struck the country in 2015 and resulted in the deaths of around 9,000 people.