The message reads, in part:
“I would like to note that recently the International Olympic Committee decided to include this event in the programme of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, so it is a great honour and responsibility for Russia to host a tournament of such a level. I regard it as recognition of Russian judokas’ outstanding achievements and their contribution to the development of the best traditions of judo and the promotion of its values and ideals.
I believe that this championship will be held with good grace and will promote international humanitarian ties, professional contacts and friendship.”
Mixed team judo competitions will make their debut at the 2020 Olympics. Yekaterinburg is the first city to host the European championship.