At the 76th Ordinary Congress of the European Judo Union in Budapest, Judo Austria President Martin Poiger was unanimously re-elected as EJU General Secretary – as was President László Tóth (HUN) – by acclamation. The term of office runs until December 2028.
“It is a privilege to be able to pursue my hobby professionally at the highest level. My EJU career began twelve years ago, at the time in the role of office director, at the congress in Budapest. Now my re-election will take place again in Budapest. I am pleased to have once again received the members’ full trust and am looking forward to further exciting years,” said the 47-year-old from Burgenland in an initial statement.
Among the first to congratulate, in addition to President Tóth, were ÖJV General Secretary Corina Korner and Vice President Albert Gmeiner. A total of 138 delegates from 49 nations were invited to Budapest, led by World Federation President (IJF) Marius L. Vizer.
Numbers and facts:
- The European Judo Union (EJU) represents member associations in a total of 51 countries and around 2.3 million judoka. The EJU will be responsible for a total of 101 events in the 2024 Olympic year.
- ÖJV President Martin Poiger has been working full-time for the EJU since December 2012, at that time in the role of office manager in Vienna. He has served as Secretary General since March 2022.
- This is President László Tóth’s second term in office; he was elected on June 17, 2022 (as successor to interim President Otto Kneitinger/GER).
- No fewer than 16 European nations, including Austria (Michaela Polleres/-70/Bronze), won a total of 31 medals, including eight gold medals, at the Olympic judo tournament in Paris. There are currently 8 reigning world champions from Europe.
