Russian President VLADIMIR PUTIN visited the headquarters of the INTERNATIONAL JUDO FEDERATION (IJF) in Budapest on Wednesday.
PUTIN is the Honorary President of the IJF and, during his trip to the Hungarian capital to meet the country’s Prime Minister VIKTOR ORBÁN, he held talks with MARIUS VIZER, President of the IJF.
Among the topics discussed during meeting was next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, judo in school, the refugee programme and the IJF Academy.
Afterwards, PUTIN praised the progress the IJF has made under the leadership of VIZER, President of the world governing body since 2007.
“I think that thanks to the Hungarian Government and Budapest the IJF has this beautiful headquarters,” PUTIN said.
“From the moment you were elected IJF President, there have been so many positive changes in judo.
“The rules changes made the sport more attractive, with many new events.
“Judo has started becoming a global sport, you have brought judo to the highest level, allowing opportunities for athletes.
“In the name of all judo fans, I wish to thank you for your work.”
PUTIN has described judo as his “favourite sport” and is a regular visitor to IJF events, including the 2017 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in Budapest and last year’s event in Baku.
