At the 76th Congress of the European Judo Union (EJU) in Budapest, ÖJV became president Dr. Martin Poiger re-elected as EJU general secretary. The 47-year-old from Burgenland became president – as well Laszlo Toth from Hungary – confirmed in his position by acclamation for the next term of office, which runs until 2028. “It is a privilege to be able to pursue my hobby professionally at the highest level. “I’m looking forward to another four years,” commented the EJU “General” on his re-election.
Twelve years ago, Poiger, also in Budapest, was commissioned to manage the EJU office set up in Vienna. Almost ten years later, Pinkafelder was appointed EJU General Secretary and has now been re-elected. “I would like to thank the delegates for their unreserved trust,” said Poiger after the congress. A total of 138 association representatives from 49 European countries were present in Budapest, including the IJF President who lives in Hungary’s metropolis Marius L. Vizer. The first to congratulate Poiger were the two ÖJV representatives and vice president Albert “Ali” Gmeiner and Secretary General Corina Kornerwho is also vice president of the Vienna regional association. Along with Poiger, the Hungarian Laszlo Toth was also unanimously re-elected as president until 2028.
A side detail: The EJU was proud to note that Europe was the most successful continent at the Olympic Games in Paris with 31 (out of 56 possible) medals and eight gold medals (out of 14). One of these medals, namely bronze up to 70 kilos, went to the woman from Wimpassing Michaela Polleres an Austrian won. Europe also provides eight of the 14 current world champions.
Photo: EJU Congress in Budapest, from left: Corina Korner, Laszlo Toth, Martin Poiger, Ali Gmeiner – @EJU
