During the elections, Carlos Zegarra Presser was re-elected as the PJC president and in accepting the role he said, “Judo unites us. Trust guides us. Together we build the future!
Being re-elected as president of the Pan-American Judo Confederation is not a personal victory; it is the reaffirmation of a collective project. It reflects the trust of a continent that believes in the value of continuity and of serious, transparent, committed work. Above all, it is a vote of confidence in judo as a tool for social transformation, a bridge between cultures and a beacon of hope for new generations.
In Lima, we experienced an historic congress. We did not merely renew a leadership team, we renewed a pact between our nations to continue moving forward together. I welcome the new members of the PJC Executive Committee, feeling proud and hopeful. This team embodies the best of us: diversity, experience, youthful energy, and an unshakable conviction that our athletes deserve nothing but the best."
"I have always believed that judo is more than just a sport, it is a school of life. And those of us who have the honour of leading this organisation today understand that our responsibility goes far beyond the organisation of championships. We are here to build bridges, to create opportunities and to lift those who have never had a voice.
Development, unity, transparency and peace within Pan-American judo are not mere slogans, they are causes I defend with every decision and every step. There is no individual merit in this achievement. It belongs to every federation, to every coach working quietly behind the scenes, to every athlete who falls and rises again, to every child who dreams of wearing a judogi and changing their destiny.
Judo in the Americas has its own unique identity. It grows from our seas and rivers, to our mountains, neighbourhoods, islands, and great cities. This judo, our judo, has much to offer the world. We shall strengthen our alliances, extend our hand and promote ethical leadership and modern governance without losing sight of our essence.
To the international judo community: you can count on us! The Americas stand united, organised and ready to continue contributing to the global development of our sport.
To my colleagues and companions across the continent, thank you for your trust. Let us move forward, always together.”