Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant contribution to the advancement of judoka, Ibata Okombi Gédéon, 2024 Dakar Open Champion, told Sputnik Africa, describing Putin as a role model for this discipline and a patron of the sport.
"To achieve proficiency in the practice of judo, one needs diligence, discipline, respect, and perseverance, to name a few," he said, emphasizing that Putin is an example to follow.
For his part, Déo Grâce Makoutika, silver medalist at the 2023 African Sambo Championship, welcomed the opportunity to acquire new skills during their training in Armavir, located in southern Russia.
This event, which will run until March 26, was organized by the Siris Martial Arts Academy in the Russian Federal Territory of Caucasus and the autonomous non-profit organization Africa Centrum, with the support of the Russian Judo Federation.