The 76th Ordinary Congress of the European Judo Union, held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Budapest, saw the unanimous re-election of President Dr. László Tóth for another four-year term. Delegates from across Europe gathered in the Hungarian capital to show resounding confidence in Tóth’s leadership, securing his tenure until December 2028.
This milestone in European judo governance was met with optimism as Tóth reflected on his administration’s progress and ambitious plans. “We launched a positive revolution in 2022 and we want to continue in this vein. We achieved a lot in 2024. We have big plans for the next few years and we want to continue to improve. In order to strengthen operations and further increase the efficiency of the EJU, the number of Executive Committee members will be increased,” he stated, emphasizing growth and innovation.
International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer underscored the importance of balance following the transformative strides made under Tóth’s presidency. “The EJU is the main engine of the International Judo Federation. While Laszlo Toth used the term revolution; after every change, stability is needed. Especially in these challenging times, we need calm and unity in order to remain successful,” Vizer remarked, highlighting the EJU’s critical role on the global stage.
The 76th Ordinary Congress of the European Judo Union, held on Saturday, November 23, 2024
BREAKING BARRIERS WITH HISTORIC APPOINTMENTS
In a historic move, the EJU Executive Committee now includes two female vice presidents for the first time in its history: Catarina Rodrigues for sport and Kristiina Pekkola for education. Their appointments signal a significant step toward inclusivity and diversity within the organization, reflecting a broader trend in sports governance.
Dr. László Tóth’s re-election is a testament to his dedication and accomplishments in the judo community. A judoka since the age of 10, Tóth is a two-time senior Hungarian champion and has served as President of the Hungarian Judo Association and Member of the Hungarian Olympic Committee since 1998. Internationally recognized, he was awarded the prestigious Mongolian ‘Golden Angle’ by President Khaltmaagiin Battulga in 2021 and received his 8th Dan at the Masters in Budapest in 2023.
Since his election as EJU President in 2022, Tóth has implemented transformative changes, fostering growth and innovation in European judo. His continued leadership promises further advancements, with an expanded Executive Committee poised to enhance the organization’s operational efficiency.
The Budapest Congress solidified the EJU’s path forward, with a focus on uniting the judo community and navigating challenges with resilience. With Tóth at the helm, supported by a reinvigorated executive team, the future of European judo appears both dynamic and promising. As the EJU embraces inclusivity and innovation, it sets a precedent for the global judo family, reinforcing its pivotal role in shaping the sport’s future.
