Champion of the Olympic Games in Athens and three-time world champion Ilias Iliadis signed a contract with the Judo Federation of Uzbekistan, the NOC said. 

Earlier, Kun.uz reported that Iliadis led the judo team of Uzbekistan. He has already taken part as the head coach of the Grand Slam tournament in the Japanese city of Osaka. At this tournament, judokas from Uzbekistan Davlat Bobonov and Alisher Yusupov were among the winners.

Today, the legendary judoka from Greece Ilias Iliadis signed a contract with the Judo Federation of Uzbekistan. The event was held at the National Olympic Committee of the country. It was attended by NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmanov, NOC Vice President, Head of the Judo Federation Azizjon Kamilov, NOC Vice President, First Deputy Head of the Boxing Association Saken Polatov, Judo Federation Coaching Staff and media representatives. 

“In preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, a new leadership was created in the NOC. They have a great responsibility. To achieve high goals, we need to work closely with the federations and coaches, support each other,” NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmanov said.  

In turn, the head of the judo federation Azizjon Kamilov emphasized that each representative of the team must regard the preparatory process seriously.

“To tell you the truth, the candidacy of Ilias Iliadis arose suddenly. We looked at coaches from Japan and Europe, and then we learned that the contract of Iliadis is coming to its end. Without wasting time, we managed to come to a mutual agreement. We have very little time left before the start of the Tokyo Olympics and it is necessary to make every effort to show maximum results,” Azizjon Kamilov said.