Sarajevo Junior European Cup 2026 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Voices of Victory from Sarajevo

Author: Dino Stambolić The second and final day of competition at the Junior European Judo Cup in Sarajevo delivered another programme of thrilling and hard-fought contests as the event came to a close in the Bosnian capital. Three gold medals went to Russian athletes, who triumphed in the women’s -48kg…

8 February 2026

Paris Grand Slam 2026 - Paris, France

Final Bows in Paris as Europe Secures 21 Medals

Another year, another Paris Grand Slam concluded. Japan topped the overall medal table at the close of Paris Grand Slam 2026, collecting a total of five gold, three silver and six bronze medals. The host nation, France, followed with a 3-1-5 tally, while Azerbaijan secured third place with a 1-1-1…

8 February 2026

A Shared Language Beyond Words: EJU and DIJF Signed MoU in Paris

The European Judo Union (EJU) took another meaningful step towards a more inclusive future on Sunday, 8 February, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deaf International Judo Federation (DIJF) during the Paris Grand Slam. Set against one of the most iconic stages of the IJF World Tour,…

8 February 2026

Rome Cadet European Cup 2026 - Rome, Italy

Family Gratitude in Rome

Author: Carola Paissoni The opening day of the European Cadet Cup in Rome concluded today, marking a historic debut for the Italian capital as it hosts the seasonal kick-off of the cadet circuit for the very first time. The PalaPellicone in Ostia welcomed an exceptional turnout, with more than 30…

7 February 2026

Sarajevo Junior European Cup 2026 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Author: Dino Stambolić The European Junior Judo Cup officially got underway today in Sarajevo, bringing together some of the most promising young judoka from across Europe. Organised by the National Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the event marks an important step in the junior competitive calendar and once again…

7 February 2026

Paris Grand Slam 2026 - Paris, France

Paris Roars as Europe Hunts Gold on Grand Slam Stage

Following the conclusion of the preliminary rounds at the opening day of Paris Grand Slam 2026, Europe stood with five chances for gold across the seven finals. What was the outcome? Let’s take a closer look. -48kg category The final of the -48kg category may have surprised some but it…

7 February 2026

Paris Grand Slam 2026 - Paris, France

Ready. Set. Go.

Record numbers of visitors are expected at the Accor Arena over the weekend of 7–8 February as the IJF World Tour 2026 gets underway, beginning with one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, the Paris Grand Slam. A total of 488 athletes from 78 nations are ready to…

6 February 2026

Major Milestone Achieved for DATA Project

The DATA Project consortium is pleased to announce the official launch of the “Data Management in Sport” online course (basic level), now available to sport professionals across Europe. The initiative forms part of an Erasmus+ project dedicated to strengthening digital transformation in sport, in which the European Judo Union is…

6 February 2026

Paris Grand Slam 2026 - Paris, France

A Star in the Making Arrives in Paris

Irakli Goginashvili is one of Great Britain’s most promising young judoka, a name that has steadily grown louder across European tatami over the past year. In 2025, he carved his place into British judo history by becoming the first athlete from the nation in 25 years to claim a junior…

6 February 2026

A new initiative will be piloted during the Linz Grand Prix 2026

Mind Dojo: A New Space for Strength Beyond the Tatami

In elite sport, strength is often measured in seconds, scores and podium finishes. Yet, behind every contest lies a quieter reality, the emotional weight of expectation, pressure and relentless performance. As judo continues to evolve, so too does its understanding of what it means to truly care for its community.…

6 February 2026

Rome Cadet European Cup 2026 - Rome, Italy

Rome Sets Off the 2026 European Cadet Tour

Author: Carola Paissoni For the first time ever, Rome is set to host the opening event of the 2026 international U18 circuit, precisely the ‘Millennium Team’ European Cadet Cup. Between 7–8 February, the Palapellicone in Ostia will become the stage for a prestigious competition, welcoming the elite of European cadet…

5 February 2026

Sarajevo Junior European Cup 2026 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

World Class Juniors Heading to Sarajevo

The opening junior event of 2026 will welcome world-class young athletes for their first test of the year. The ultimate goal? The junior European and world championships, and for some, the senior circuit is already firmly in their sights. Currently, the entry list features a total of 346 athletes from…

4 February 2026

Erasmus +

KATAUTISM Soon Launches on EJU e-Platform

A groundbreaking judo programme designed specifically for autistic children will soon be available on the European Judo Union’s educational platform, following the success of a pioneering Italian initiative that has already benefited hundreds of children across Europe. The KATAUTISM project, coordinated by the Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM), aims to provide…

3 February 2026

Erasmus +

JudoBraille Project Launches in Ljubljana

Ljubljana has long served as a hub for European judo, hosting elite competitions, development camps and innovative projects that push the sport forward. This month, the Slovenian capital welcomed the official launch of JudoBraille, a two-year Erasmus+ Sport project aiming to make judo fully accessible to blind and visually impaired…

3 February 2026

Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria

Two Golds, Two Journeys: Bulgaria's Champions Speak

Victory has many voices. Sometimes it speaks through euphoria and celebration. Sometimes through exhaustion and relief and sometimes, as it did for Bulgaria’s two gold medallists in Sofia, it speaks through raw honesty and dedication that transcends sport entirely. GABRIELA DIMITROVA: “Everything in competition is difficult.” The question seems simple…

1 February 2026

Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria

"It Was My First Senior Medal": Naschcho's Breakthrough in Sofia

Issa Naschcho, ranked 345th in the world this morning, the Austrian judoka entered the -90kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open as an afterthought in a competitive draw. By the evening, he stood atop the podium, gold medal around his neck, having dismantled higher-ranked opponents and overcome the toughest…

1 February 2026

Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria

Home Sweet Home: Bulgaria Dominates Sofia with Three-Gold Haul

The second and final day of the European Judo Open Sofia 2026 delivered everything the locals would have dreamed of. Meanwhile, if day one showcased European depth, day two proved that rankings are merely suggestions when athletes step onto the tatami. As the final medal ceremony concluded, Bulgaria stood atop…

1 February 2026

Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria

Unstoppable at Home

Victor Skerlev entered the -73kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open amongst top eighth seed, respectively but hardly the overwhelming favourite. Ranked 79th in the world, the 20-year-old Bulgarian had potential on paper but questions in practice. Could he handle the pressure of competing at home? Would expectation weigh…

31 January 2026