Mr Giorgos PAPAGEORGIOU, a member of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Cyprus, attended the European Judo Championships for Small States in Nicosia 2024, offering his appreciation and unique perspective on the event. Although his background lies in field hockey, Papageorgiou found himself captivated by the sport of judo and expressed deep respect for the dedication it demands.
First of all, it is an excellent organisation, this event is very well organised. From the athletes’ accommodations to the clear signposting across the venue, everything is well thought out. The setup in the venue is also excellent and professional.
When asked if this was his first time watching judo live, Papageorgiou chuckled and admitted,
It is not my first time watching judo but I have to admit it is the second time. I had the pleasure of watching judo live at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. Even then, I was fascinated by the level of respect, the way judoka bow at the beginning and end of each contest. It’s very different from other sports. They show respect but it’s understood that they are there to win in a clean way, with sportsmanship. I like that a lot. Afterward, they show friendship, which I understand to be one of the core values of the sport.
Reflecting on the progress of judo in Cyprus, Papageorgiou commended the athletes and leadership for their achievements.
The results of the team speak for itself. We have managed to have an Olympian this year, which is remarkable for a country with a population of around one million. The last judoka to represent Cyprus at this level was Christodoulides CHRISTODOULOS, whom I haven’t known for long, but I can already see that he is passionate and dedicated and I understand that organising more international events is certainly part of the plan, although there are financial challenges to overcome.
Papageorgiou also spoke highly of the tournament’s unique focus on smaller states and its role in cultivating Olympic values.
The concept of this tournament is very important. Olympic values are upheld, and the athletes are motivated to aim for a medal. For some, this is their first time traveling abroad; without this event, they might not have this experience or the chance to win a medal. It’s about building their character, especially in defeat. Winning is the objective but when you lose, you build resilience, therefore you build character. Every National Olympic Committee is not about us [board members], it is about the athletes, the coaches who spend so many hours on the tatami in this case. Also the parents, they spend money, and actually the right word to use is they invest money in their children to allow them to be part of such an experience.
Papageorgiou concluded by acknowledging the increasing interest in sports like karate and judo in Cyprus, noting their recent growth and popularity.
In Cyprus, sports like sailing, cycling, and archery are big. Now, karate and judo have attracted more athletes than before. This shows they are on the right track, and I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude for everyone’s efforts.
He extended his special congratulations to key figures involved in the organisation, including Mr. Christodoulides CHRISTODOULOS, Technical Director of the Cypriot Judo Federation, and Mr. Sotos TRIKOMITIS, President of the Federation.
Finally, my special ‘Thank You’ goes to Dr. TOTH Laszlo, President of the European Judo Union, and to all the coaches, parents, and national federations who made this event possible.
Papageorgiou’s observations and enthusiasm underline his support for judo and his admiration for the dedication within the sport, offering a promising outlook for the development of judo and other sports in Cyprus. His optimism and encouragement affirm a bright future for Cypriot athletes and the wider sporting community, while embracing the spirit of judo.
Author: Szandra Szogedi