Marius Wieser is very enthusiastic about the challenges facing the industry in Israel • on the chairman of the local union Moshe Ponti ("changed the way Israeli judo is perceived in the world") • on the rescue of Said Mulai ("thanks to the values of judo") • and Tel Aviv Grand Slam ("It's sure to be successful")
Wiser.
A friend of Israel
Photo:
Oded Karni
Marius Wieser, chairman of the International Judo Association who landed in the country and went straight into the bubble at the Hilton Hotel, is considered a true friend of Israeli judo. He landed two Grand Prix tournaments here, before peace agreements fought in the Gulf states so Israelis could compete on their land. And of course he has a part in sponsoring Said Mulai, the Iranian judoka who also became a friend of Israel.
In his first interview in the Israeli media and exclusively for "Israel Today", Wieser, a former judoka himself and who is also considered one of the most interesting figures on the International Olympic Committee, tries to explain what has actually happened in recent years in the status of Israeli judo.
He is doing this at the same time as watching the Grand Slam tournament in Tel Aviv, which he also made sure to bring to Israel.
As someone who looks at our judo from the outside, what do you see?
"What I see is tremendous progress. You are hosting big tournaments and this year you are also hosting one of the few and most important competitions in the world round ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. I see here the kids who chose judo following the great achievements of your athletes in recent years, I see the abilities "Your organization. Not many countries could have faced such competition at the same time with all the challenges. Your authorities have also connected with the issue, which has made the whole issue exceptional."
Tell us a little about the special relationship you have with the union's chairman Moshe Ponti.
"Ponti decided a few years ago to change judo in Israel at the international level. He dreamed of hosting big tournaments that have become a great success here, he dreamed of changing the whole way judo is perceived in Israel, in your area in the Middle East and around the world. In this way he really succeeded. "Change judo in his own way. You see how in his commitment he harnesses the government, bodies involved in organizing the competition and of course he also managed to bring the Grand Slam tournament to Israel, which I am sure will be successful."
"It is easy for us to understand the other"
With 422 athletes landing in Israel from 60 countries, Wieser as mentioned sees the Israeli organization closely and so far he is very satisfied.
"Did you see the enthusiasm of all the delegations to come here, to Israel?", He says, "They were happy to get a chance after months of training only and with few competitions. You see how many delegations came to Israel. We are committed to organizing competitions for them, and I was glad you lifted the glove here. ".
The Said Moulay affair proved the power that sport has in changing reality.
"He first showed the ability of judo to change things and it is thanks to the values of the industry, which we received from the man who brought judo to the world, Jigoro Kano. Today we understand how relevant these values are to our world, especially in this era."
Do you think this case is unique to judo and can not be in other disciplines?
"The judo industry has been facing huge and not simple challenges lately. We have tools to deal with the special situations that have occurred and also the ability to solve problems. It is easier for us to understand the other, and especially to respect him and his behavior and everything under judo rules. I think that this case of Said Mulai, who brings the peoples closer together and contributes to peace, can really happen more easily in our industry. "
