Israel judo coach Oren Smadja resigns after 15 years

"Precisely because judo is part of my soul, I can no longer, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that’s it, I’m giving up and submitting my resignation," Smadja said on social media.

Oren Smadja, who coached Israel’s men’s national judo team for 15 years, stepped down citing deep concerns for the sport’s future.

Oren Smadja, who coached Israel’s men’s national judo team for 15 years, stepped down citing deep concerns for the sport’s future.

(photo credit: ISRAEL JUDO ASSOCIATION/COURTESY)

ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

MAY 5, 2025 17:19

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