Sergey SOLOVEYCHIK, since the year of 2007 has held the position of President of the European Judo Union and has resigned at an extraordinary (digital) EJU Executive Committee Meeting on Sunday. Following his proposal Vice President Otto KNEITINGER (GER), 67, was unanimously elected to take over as interim EJU President. Please find below the official statement of Sergey Soloveychik.
“Dear Presidents of the EJU National Federations, Dear Members of the Executive Committee, Dear Judo colleagues and friends,
Today, all the people of Europe, including the family of the European Judo Union, are faced with a situation unprecedented in its tragedy. It is with heartache that we see the people in brotherly countries die. And we pray to God for the end of human suffering.
Judo has always been an international force in supporting peace. The European Judo Union has consistently taken steps to strengthen universal values. It has always been so and, I’m sure, will always be! In this incredibly difficult political situation, we must be stronger and more united than ever.
I believe that to maintain unity within our ranks, I have to resign as President of the European Judo Union.
You’ve known me for years, and no one doubts that my heart belongs to judo. But it is equally true that it belongs to my homeland, Russia. We, judoka, must always be loyal to our principles.
I am certain that goodwill will prevail. I urge you, my dear friends and colleagues, to put aside the emotions currently overwhelming us and to find the strength to begin to bring back peace lost in our hearts.”
Yours in Judo, Sergey Soloveychik
