Leadership Transition at the European judo Union /
Article / Monday, February 28, 2022 / source: eju.net
Sergey Soloveychik, who has led the European Judo Union (EJU) since 2007, stepped down from his position yesterday during a special meeting.
Following Soloveychik’s resignation,Otto Kneitinger,the Vice-President from Germany,was unanimously chosen to serve as the interim president of the EJU. Kneitinger, at 67 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Soloveychik’s farewell Message:
In a heartfelt message to the EJU community, Soloveychik expressed his deep sorrow over the current geopolitical situation, emphasizing the tragic loss of life and the urgent need for peace. He highlighted judo’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and universal values, stressing the importance of unity and strength during these challenging times.
Acknowledging the complex situation, Soloveychik stated that he believed his resignation was necessary to preserve the unity of the EJU. He reaffirmed his dedication to judo, emphasizing that his heart belongs both to the sport and his homeland, Russia. He urged his colleagues to set aside their emotions and work towards restoring peace.
A Judo World in Transition: An Interview with double Olympic Champion,
Leandro Lo
Teh European Judo Union (EJU) finds itself at a crossroads after the recent resignation of long-standing president Sergey Soloveychik.The geopolitical situation, undoubtedly a major factor influencing this decision, casts a shadow on the sport we all love.Today, I’m joined by double Olympic gold medalist adn judo legend, Leandro Lo, to discuss this unforeseen turn of events and its implications for the future of judo in Europe and beyond.
Welcome, Leandro. Thank you for joining us. Your thoughts on Soloveychik’s resignation?
Leandro Lo: It’s a difficult situation for everyone involved. Sergey has lead the EJU for 15 years, and his dedication to the sport is undeniable. I understand the complexities he faced, but it’s sad to see him step down like this.
Indeed. Soloveychik mentioned the need to preserve the unity of the EJU. How meaningful is this unity for the sport, especially in light of the current international climate?
Leandro Lo: Judo is built on values of respect, discipline, and mutual understanding. These principles transcend political boundaries. Unity within the EJU is crucial, not only for its smooth functioning but also to maintain judo’s image as a sport that brings people together. We can’t afford to let political divisions fracture our community.
otto Kneitinger, the former Vice-President, has been appointed interim president. Do you see this as a positive move?
Leandro Lo: Otto Kneitinger is a respected figure in judo.He has a wealth of experience,which will undoubtedly be valuable in navigating these challenging times.
We need steady leadership now more than ever, someone who can guide the EJU through this transition with stability and fairness.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the biggest challenges facing the EJU in the coming months and years?
Leandro Lo: The immediate challenge is, of course, maintaining unity and ensuring a smooth transition. Beyond that, the EJU needs to carefully consider the long-term impact of the geopolitical situation. The sport shouldn’t be used as a political tool. We need to find ways to promote judo as a unifying force, fostering dialog and understanding between nations.
Leandro, your perspective is invaluable. Now, I want to open this up to our readers.What are your thoughts on the leadership change at the EJU? How do you think this will impact the sport? Share your comments below.
It’s crucial that we, as a judo community, engage in constructive dialogue and work towards solutions that uphold the values of our sport.
