“The European Games are of great importance in the run-up to the Olympic Games.”

a race

Like judo, which (like boxing) regards the European Games as an (annual) European Championship. Which, by the way, is determined by the International Judo Federation (IJF), not the Judo Bund Netherlands. The representation of sixteen judokas was less good than in Baku: now two silver medals and two bronze medals compared to three golds and two bronze medals in the previous edition. It is as logical as it is understandable that judo takes this tournament seriously. After all, as president of the European Olympic Committee, former judoka Patrick Hickey was a major advocate and godfather of the European Games. The Irishman was promptly arrested at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio on charges of ticket fraud.

In order to gain more recognition and acceptance of the European Games in the world of sport, the combined European Championships, such as last year’s in Glasgow and Berlin, seem to be a contender not to be underestimated. Certainly, because the television rights for such a huge event, which includes at least athletics, gymnastics and swimming, generate significantly more revenue for the participating federations. “As far as the European Championships are concerned, there is a very diverse playing field,” said Gerard Delesin in response. “If you look at the frequency of these individual championships, you see big differences. In some sports they are held every year, in others every two years, and there are also sports that are held only once every four years.” The European Championships also vary greatly in meaning, as does the enthusiasm for organising them.