Vladimir Putin opens European Judo Championship in Kazan

On April 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Russian Presidential Envoy in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich and representatives of Russian Judo Federation took part in the opening of the European Judo Championship at Tatneft Arena in Kazan.

“Dear friends! The European Judo Championship is opening today in one of the most beautiful cities of Russia, the capital of Tatarstan. I welcome participants of the competition, coaches, referees, specialists and all fans of this sport,” Vladimir Putin said.

He expressed his special gratitude to Kazan and Tatarstan for organization of this sports holiday, and added that people in the republic like sport and can organize such large-scale events.

Putin continued that high results of Russian wrestlers help promoting judo in the country.

European Judo Championship is a round of Olympic Games 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.