Olympic medallist Tóth Krisztián takes over Hungarian judo in landmark vote

Hungarian judo entered a new chapter on Sunday, 10 May, as Olympic bronze medallist Tóth Krisztián was elected president of the Hungarian Judo Association for the next term, set at two and a half years.

The vote took place at the federation’s elective General Assembly at the Hungarian House of Sport, where the atmosphere was far from routine. Out of 130 delegates entitled to vote, 104 collected their mandates, and the level of media attention reflected just how significant this transition felt for the sport in Hungary.

This was also a major moment because it marked the end of a long era. Dr Tóth László had already announced months earlier that he would not stand again after 28 years leading Hungarian judo, citing his growing responsibilities as President of the European Judo Union.

The assembly opened with Dr Tóth László welcoming delegates and guests, including Hungarian Olympic Committee Secretary General Fábián László and Baji Balázs. Before the election business began, those present observed a moment of remembrance for members of the Hungarian judo community who had recently passed away.

It was more than an election day; it felt like a handover moment for Hungarian judo.

In his remarks, Dr Tóth László spoke openly about how difficult the occasion was for him. At the same time, he made clear that his support for Hungarian judo would continue through his role at the EJU.

The presidential race initially featured four candidates: Balogh Levente, Dr Csizmadia Zoltán, Dr Sulányi Péter and Tóth Krisztián. After the candidate presentations, Dr Sulányi Péter withdrew, leaving three names on the ballot.

In the secret vote, 101 delegates cast ballots and 98 were valid. Tóth Krisztián received 70 votes, enough to secure the presidency.

At 32, Tóth arrives in the role with one of the strongest sporting résumés in recent Hungarian judo. His career includes Olympic bronze from Tokyo 2020, multiple world and European championship medals, and 10 national titles. The source also notes that he has continued to win medals on the IJF World Judo Tour while taking on growing coaching responsibilities alongside competition.

Ahead of the election, Tóth said his decision to run was made only after serious discussions with family, coaches and trusted figures in the sport. He pointed to both his experience as an elite athlete and his academic background in leadership and coaching as reasons he felt ready to move into sports administration.

His platform focused on strengthening Hungarian judo across the full system, not only at elite level. He highlighted youth development, recruitment, infrastructure and clearer athlete pathways, while also arguing that successful international ideas should be adapted carefully to Hungary’s own reality.

Tóth also stressed transparency, unity and respect for judo traditions. His vision included support for smaller clubs, kata and recreational judo, as well as stronger links between grassroots and top-level performance so that promising young athletes do not disappear from the pathway.

Delegates also approved the new Executive Board, with the positions uncontested. Among the appointments were Dr Kovács Antal as First Vice President, Biró Norbert as Vice President for Sport, Dr Jernei Zoltán as General Treasurer, Szentpétery Arnold as Vice President for Education, and Dr Demény Ádám as Vice President for Marketing. Pupp Réka was elected Chair of the Athletes’ Commission.

For Hungarian judo, this was not only a result on paper. It was the start of a new leadership era led by someone who knows the sport from the tatami up.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union