President Vizer attended Croatian judo federation 65th anniversary

20. Dec 2016

On Thursday, 15 December 2016, IJF President, Mr. Marius Vizer, attended the Gala dinner organized by the Croatian Judo Federation in Zagreb for the 65th anniversary of the organisation. During the ceremony Mr. Vizer received an award (cristal vase) for supporting Croatian judo and its development throughout the years. The IJF has been organizing for many years one of its Grand Prix in Croatia.

Numerous generations of Croatian and European judoka as well as international champions such as Janica Kostelić (Multiple skiing Olympic Champion and the most successful athlete in history of the Winter Olympics) gathered together to celebrate the Croatian Judo Federation birthday.

“

It is always a great feeling to visit Croatia, the judo family and sport friends

Mr. Marius Vizer - IJF President

“This anniversary shows the great direction Croatian judo has been taking over the past years and I am looking forward to seeing Croatian judokas taking important roles in big judo competitions in the future“, added the IJF President.

Below: Brigita MATIĆ (-78kg), Lucija Brešković (-70kg -5th ParaOlympics Rio), Janica Kostelić (Multiple skiing Olympic Champion and the most successful athlete in history of the Winter Olympics – now she is in role as General secretary for Sport), Tihea Topolovec (-52kg), Barbara MATIĆ (-70kg)

“

We are at the beginning of a new Olympic cycle that will end in the homeland of judo, in Tokyo 2020. This is why our celebration has an extra weight because we combine the successes of the past with the talent for the future.

Mrs. Sanda Čorak, President of Croatian Judo Federation

Mr. Vizer, along with president of Croatian Judo Federation, Mrs. Sanda Čorak, awarded Mr. Tomislav Čuljak as an Honorary President of Croatian Judo Federation. Also, Mr. Vizer handed Mrs. Čorak a special IOC Achievement diploma "Women and Sport" for her outstanding contribution to promoting the development and participation of women and girls in sport (see images below).

Awards were also presented to several athletes for representing Croatian judo at the Olympic and Paralympic Games: Marijana Miskovic Hasanbegović (Olympics, London 2012), Tomislav Marjanovic (Olympics, London 2012), Barbara Matić (Olympics in Rio de Janeiro 2016), Lucia Brešković (POI Rio de Janeiro 2016).

Above: Hrvoje Sertic (CJF sports director), Tomislav Marijanović (-81kg – national coach), Marijana Miskovic Hasanbegovic (-63kg), Barbara Matic (-70kg), Lucija Breskovic (-70kg)