Tina Karol emphasized that the meeting with Yamashito is an important signal for Ukrainian athletes, because he is a guru for them, who is respected by all generations of sports.

" Many Ukrainian world champions, European champions, young athletes and masters of sports have now taken up arms and are on the battlefield. Some of them have already died. Your position for everyone is an important signal where there really is a side of the world,"

In turn, Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashito expressed his full support to the Ukrainian people and highly appreciated the Ukrainian athletes.

" I also know how many of them were forced to go abroad because of the war in Ukraine.. Many athletes are deprived of the opportunity to train,” said Yasuhiro Yamashito.

The head of the Olympic Committee is sure that the world sports community should worry about Ukrainian athletes who aspire to become champions in the future.

" We will make such a proposal to the Japanese government and ask them for help,"

The meeting was also attended by the Olympic champion, Japanese judoka Kosei Ino? ye.

Sports legends signed commemorative letters to Ukrainian athletes, which will be transferred to the Ukrainian Judo Federation.