Two-time Olympic judo winner Lukáš Krpálek will not come in person for a state award on Monday, which he should receive from President Miloš Zeman. He considers it inappropriate because of the war in Ukraine.
“I really appreciate the award of the state award. It is an honor for me, probably the greatest it can be in a non-sporting life. Unfortunately, I have to apologize for Monday’s ceremony. I can’t imagine wearing a ceremonial suit at this time when In Ukraine, people are dying, athletes and my personal friends are fighting there in camouflage for their homeland, “said an elite judoka on the instagram.
The ceremony with the presentation of state decorations usually takes place on October 28. This time, however, he was repeatedly postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the president’s hospitalization. The alternate date of March 7, despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine, will meet the castle, but the traditional reception will be canceled after the award ceremony. Awards for the years 2020 and 2021 will be presented in the Vladislav Hall.
Six hundred guests are expected. There will be no krpálek among them. “I have always been proud and happy to represent our country and I always will be, but I really wish that a sports duel was the only way to compete between states,” added the champion from the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
Residents of the city of Energodar in southern Ukraine went out to block the Russian convoy with their own bodies (March 2, 2022):
Residents of the city of Energodar in southern Ukraine have come out to block the Russian convoy with their own bodies Video: Twitter / Nexta, Associated Press
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