Hungarian László Toth future European Judo Union President

Hungarian Judo President László Toth will be the only candidate for presidency at the upcoming European Judo Union Congress in Vienna on the 17th of June. The 62 year-old has been leading the Hungarian Judo Federation for more than 24 years. He is currently holding the position as a General Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee.

In the moment vice-president Otto Kneitinger is interim president of the European Judo Union.

“László is the perfect fit for a smooth transition. He has been a key person in European Judo for more than 20 years and has successfully organised numerous international events. Moreover he is an acknowledged businessman and financial expert”, notes interim President Otto Kneitinger.

The application period ended on 18th of April. No other candidatures have been received. Toth has achieved to organize many great tournaments from World Championships in all ages classes, European Championships in all age classes and under his guidance the Budapest World Cup grew out to the Grand Slam of Budapest. Toth has outstanding relations with international judo partners and contributed with many international judo events to the promotion of Budapest and judo in general. 

Secondly it is a practical advantage that both the presidential office will be in the same city of Budapest as also IJF President Marius L. Vizer lives in the Hungarian capital.

“The proposal to run for president came as a surprise and I am looking forward to continue the close cooperation between the EJU and the International Judo Federation. Being a Hungarian might make it a bit easier as the IJF headquarters are located in Budapest. I feel honoured to get this kind of opportunity. Judo has been a part of my life for more than 40 years“, tells László Tóth.