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FISU mourns loss of Eiichi Kawatei

FISU 6 August 2013

BRUSSELS – The FISU was saddened to learn of the death of Japan’s Eiichi Kawatei at the age of 79. From Ashiya City, Japan, Eiichi Kawatei played a major role in the development of our federation. He contributed to promoting tennis as a university sport and was a well-known leader in the development of tennis in Japan, Asia and worldwide for more than 40 years, supporting FISU, the ITF, national associations, players, officials, coaches and many international events. He died on Saturday 3 August.

He was highly active with the ITF for over 30 years, serving as a member of the Committee of Management, member of the ITF Board of Directors, Vice President, Chairman of the Junior Competitions Committee, and Honorary Life Vice President. He was also a Technical Delegate for the Olympic Tennis Event each year since tennis’s return to the Games in 1988 and was nominated for that role at London 2012 but was unable to serve because of illness.

Eiichi Kawatei was Tournament Director of the Federation Cup in 1981, 1985 and 1989, and of the Japan Open and Asian Open in 1977-86. He was a Japanese Olympic Committee member (1991-2003), Asian Tennis Federation Secretary General (1978-89) and President (1989-2003), and Japan Tennis Association Executive Board Member (1977-93) and Vice President (1993 onwards). He was the founder of the International Club of Japan.

 

Eiichi Kawatei

 

Eiichi Kawatei was recognised for his contributions to tennis by his peers many times. He was presented with the Olympic Order of Merit in 2012, the highest honor of the IOC, and was also the recipient of the Golden Olympic Ring Award, Chinese National Sports Federation Honorable Award and the 2005 Golden Achievement Award, presented by the ITF and International Tennis Hall of Fame.

In addition to his administrative work, he was an active member of the international tennis media as a photographer and TV commentator, as well as contributing to numerous books and magazines as a journalist. As a player, Eiichi Kawatei was a nationally ranked junior and played for Doshisha University, where he returned as coach.

There is no doubt that Eiichi Kawatei reinforced the image of FISU on the international sports scene.

FISU is grateful and honored to have had Eiichi Kawatei as a member of its family. His strong experience and technical knowledge benefitted FISU greatly all throughout the time he was with us. Member of the Technical Commission of FISU in the Kobe 1985 Universiade, then attending the Universiade as representative of the ITF (Buffalo 1193, Fukuoka 1995), Eiichi Kawatei started to serve FISU as Technical Delegate for Tennis in 1999 in Palma de Mallorca (Universiades 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011). His commitment to his work with FISU was unconditional and his career achievements in sports have inspired and set an example for many in FISU who appreciated him very much. He will certainly also be remembered for his outstanding kindness and exceptional optimism which characterized him so much.

On behalf of the FISU Family, we would like to express deepest condolences to his family.

He will always remain in our hearts.

 

Source : FISU Media Department