The message reads, in part:
“I am sincerely glad that this traditional competition for young judokas has successfully reached the ten-year milestone and become a major and anticipated event in the sports and cultural life of St Petersburg and the whole country.
It is important that by inviting participants from different cities in Russia and foreign countries to its site, your youth tournament has opened a way for many young people to participate in professional sports and has taught them how to achieve their goals. And of course, such a large-scale competition is a significant contribution to promoting the values of judo, physical fitness, and a healthy and active lifestyle.
I am convinced that the young people who compete on the tatami today will clearly and confidently demonstrate their skills and will, and most importantly, will continue to remain firmly committed to the high principles, ideas and best practices laid down by outstanding coach and mentor Anatoly Rakhlin.”