Tõnu Lume, the first-ever president of the Estonian Judo Affiliation and a pivotal determine in Estonian judo for over 30 years, was honoured on the ultimate day of the European Judo Championships Juniors Tallinn 2024. In recognition of his tireless dedication and lifelong dedication to the game, the European Judo Union (EJU) awarded the long-time official the celebrated EJU Order of Advantage. The award was introduced by EJU President, Dr. Toth Laszlo, in a touching ceremony that highlighted Lume’s exceptional journey.
Reflecting on his storied profession, Tõnu Lume spoke fondly of his time on the helm of Estonian judo. He recalled the three Olympic medals gained beneath his management, a testomony to the success and resilience of the athletes and the game’s improvement in Estonia. He additionally reminisced concerning the first-ever Estonian Judo Championships held in 1973, a groundbreaking occasion that marked the start of a brand new period for the game within the nation.
Commenting on the extent of judo displayed on the European Judo Championships Juniors in Tallinn, Lume expressed his fascination with the evolving nature of the game. “Attention-grabbing,” he remarked immediately, reflecting on the dynamic adjustments he witnessed. “The foundations have modified clearly since my time, and the format of the crew competitors may be very attention-grabbing.” Lume praised the introduction of the mixed-team occasion, emphasising its significance in selling gender equality and innovation in judo. He acknowledged that these steady adjustments and developments are important for the game’s progress on a world scale.
Relating to the native crew, the previous president shared his insights into the progress of judo in Estonia. He famous that whereas the event has been promising, the neighborhood has confronted challenges, significantly with the lack of a number of esteemed coaches in recent times. “The event of judo in Estonia goes effectively, however plenty of good coaches have handed away, and it has been difficult to interchange them,” Lume admitted. At present, efforts are being made to maybe recruit coaches from overseas to proceed constructing on the stable basis laid by his technology.
Tõnu Lume additionally took a second to reward the progress of the European Judo Union beneath the management of Dr. Toth Laszlo, expressing his deep appreciation for being honored with the EJU Order of Advantage Award. The popularity of his lifelong dedication to judo, each in Estonia and past, served as a proud second in his distinguished profession.
Lume’s enduring ardour for judo stays as sturdy as ever, a sentiment he summed up with a nod to judo’s founder: “Jigoro Kano was proper; it’s a superb software in your toolbox to lift up good residents to your nation.” His dedication to the values and philosophy of judo continues to encourage future generations, guaranteeing that his legacy will probably be felt in Estonian judo for a few years to return.
Pictures: Carlos Ferriera
Writer: Szandra Szogedi
Share
Tweet
Telegram
WhatsApp
E-Mail
