Mr Christian participated in two Olympic Games (Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984), was several times and African championships medallist, a national coach and the national technical director of Cameroon. He was also a professor of physical and sports education.
Marius Vizer, the IJF President, declared, "It is with immense sadness that we learned about the passing of Mr Ewane Essambo Eugene Christian, who consecrated the elite of Cameroonian judo and was a role model for all judoka, bringing an added value to our sport throughout his life, by promoting the spirit and principles of judo in the service of Cameroon society.
On behalf of the International Judo Federation and personally, I wish to present our sincere and deep condolences to the Cameroon Judo Federation, the Cameroonian judo community and the family of Mr Ewane Essambo Eugene Christian.
In recognition of his exceptional merits, his devotion and the tireless efforts he has made for development both in Cameroon and internationally, the IJF will award him a posthumous distinction."