Tõnu Lume, the first-ever president of the Estonian Judo Association and a pivotal figure in Estonian judo for over 30 years, was honoured on the final day of the European Judo Championships Juniors Tallinn 2024. In recognition of his tireless commitment and lifelong dedication to the sport, the European Judo Union (EJU) awarded the long-time official the prestigious EJU Order of Merit. The award was presented by EJU President, Dr. Toth Laszlo, in a touching ceremony that highlighted Lume’s remarkable journey.
Reflecting on his storied career, Tõnu Lume spoke fondly of his time at the helm of Estonian judo. He recalled the three Olympic medals won under his leadership, a testament to the success and resilience of the athletes and the sport’s development in Estonia. He also reminisced about the first-ever Estonian Judo Championships held in 1973, a groundbreaking event that marked the beginning of a new era for the sport in the country.
Commenting on the level of judo displayed at the European Judo Championships Juniors in Tallinn, Lume expressed his fascination with the evolving nature of the sport. “Interesting,” he remarked instantly, reflecting on the dynamic changes he witnessed. “The rules have changed obviously since my time, and the format of the team competition is very interesting.” Lume praised the introduction of the mixed-team event, emphasising its significance in promoting gender equality and innovation in judo. He acknowledged that these continuous changes and developments are vital for the sport’s growth on a global scale.
Regarding the local team, the former president shared his insights into the progress of judo in Estonia. He noted that while the development has been promising, the community has faced challenges, particularly with the loss of several esteemed coaches in recent years. “The development of judo in Estonia is going well, but a number of good coaches have passed away, and it has been challenging to replace them,” Lume admitted. Currently, efforts are being made to perhaps recruit coaches from abroad to continue building on the solid foundation laid by his generation.
Tõnu Lume also took a moment to praise the progress of the European Judo Union under the leadership of Dr. Toth Laszlo, expressing his deep appreciation for being honored with the EJU Order of Merit Award. The recognition of his lifelong dedication to judo, both in Estonia and beyond, served as a proud moment in his distinguished career.
Lume’s enduring passion for judo remains as strong as ever, a sentiment he summed up with a nod to judo’s founder: “Jigoro Kano was right; it is a very good tool in your toolbox to raise up good citizens for your country.” His commitment to the values and philosophy of judo continues to inspire future generations, ensuring that his legacy will be felt in Estonian judo for many years to come.
Images: Carlos Ferriera
Author: Szandra Szogedi