“IT IS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO SEE THEM ON THE TATAMI”

European Judo Championships Veterans

The European Veteran Judo Championships always brings many stories, whether is family related or otherwise. This week, we have seen a handful of continental and international referees fighting their heart out on the mat. EJU Referee Commissioner, Mr. Metin OZKAN, also felt special emotions when watching, in some cases, his former colleagues.

It is a pleasure for me to see them on the tatami, both former and active referees. They did very well. They are athletes here but you know this is judo, fighters are fighters, referees are different, commissioners are different. We look at them as blue and white but have a little sympathy for them. I wish all the referees for the coming veteran championships to see them on the tatami.

We can certainly see the difference when they are on the mat, they know the rules better than the other fighters or coaches. This week we had unfortunate penalties from other athletes such as stepping out of the contest area and breaching of other basic rules. I, in any case, really enjoyed the week. All attendees are fighting in high spirit. I see the winner is happy and the loser is happy too, friendships was the forefront of the event and it is a pleasure to be here.

M7 -66kg gold medallist, Garcia EDUARDO (POR): former A licensed referee, attended at several continental championships as well as world championships. The highlight of his career was to referee at the Paralympics.

Author: Szandra Szogedi