Japan’s Embassy in Dushanbe says the Tajikistan Judo Championship “AKINO YUTAKA CUP ” is taking place at the “Manezh” Sports Complex in Dushanbe on July 20.
The sports competition will be held to commemorate Dr. Akino and his fellows’ wills and spirits, who lost their life for the peace in Tajikistan 21 years ago.
Dr. Akino Yutaka, a Japanese specialist in Central Asian, Russian and East European affairs, was active in peace keeping activities of the UN Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) in 1998. On July 20 of the year, he and his three fellows were shot dead in the mountainous area of Nourobod district, after a negotiation with anti-government groups on the shore of Kuli Kabud (Blue Lake).
Dr. Akino’s personality based on love of sports (especially judo) and passion for educating the next generations are still alive among Japanese people to encourage and give young people positive effects. In order to continue his will Embassy organizes this event.
The event will be co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, the Committee of Youth and Sports under the Government of Tajikistan, and the Judo Federation of Tajikistan.
The Embassy sincerely welcomes all interested people to watch judo competition, where the promising junior Tajik judo players are expected to show their best performances. Entrance is free.
