Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the International Jigoro Kano Junior (U18) Judo Tournament.
Following the competitions, the President took part in the award ceremony, congratulated all participants in the tournament and wished the athletes every success in sports and beyond.
The tournament has been held since 2017 as part of the sports programme of the Eastern Economic Forum, under the patronage of Vladimir Putin and Shinzo Abe. Athletes from Russia, Japan, Mongolia, China and the Republic of Korea take part in the tournament, held at the Fetisov Arena sport and concert complex.
Vladimir Putin, Shinzo Abe, Khaltmaagiin Battulga and Narendra Modi visited the tournament after attending the Eastern Economic Forum on Russky Island.
* * *
Speech at the awards ceremony for the winners of judo competitions
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, athletes and competitors, dear guests,
I would like to begin by thanking our guests for coming to Russia to participate in these competitions.
My thanks to the International Judo Federation and to my colleagues, including of course, the heads of state and government who take the time to come here and enjoy this great sport.
My best wishes to the winners – this is a youth tournament, and it is good that these young men and women achieve great results at such a young age. But sports in general and judo in particular have confirmed many times that to achieve real, major victories one needs to maintain ongoing progress and never stop.
Therefore, I wish you all success in sports and in your lives. Your dedication and talent will definitely open up a wonderful road to the future, and sports will always be with you and help you in any of your endeavours.
Good luck!