The fifth stop of the European Judo Hopes Tournament 2025 came to a spectacular close in Győr this weekend, with Hungary storming to the top of the medal table. The home team dazzled with 13 gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze medals, while Bosnia and Herzegovina followed with 4-4-3, and Romania secured third place with 4-1-4.
The final day brought not only exciting contests but also touching stories of judo legacies, young talents stepping onto the mat with the history of their parents and grandparents guiding them forward.
Like Father, Like Son
Among them was Neu Tamás, who claimed gold in the U13/-34kg category. His father, Neu Gábor, is a former U23 European Champion, World Cup winner, and double World Cup medallist. Carrying such a name could feel like a heavy burden, but Tamás turned it into joy, not pressure.
“It was a very good day. After a strong warm-up, I faced four opponents and managed to beat them all. The hardest fight was actually the first one, against someone I have known for a while, it would have felt tough mentally to lose to him. People sometimes ask if it’s pressure to have a father who was a great judoka. For me, it’s not really pressure, it’s more pride and joy to show him what I can do.
“What I love most about judo are the fights themselves. My favourite technique is ippon-seoi-nage because it’s fast and explosive, and I feel that matches my own style. My role model is Lasha Bekauri. He inspires me not only as a judoka but as a person too. One day, I want to be a great athlete like him.”
Carrying the Name with Pride
Another remarkable story came from Hangyasi Zengő, who triumphed in the U15/-70kg category. Judo runs deep in her veins, her grandfather, Hangyasi Laszlo, coached at seven Olympic Games, guiding Hungary’s only Olympic judo champion, and produced athletes across eight consecutive Games between 1992 and 2020.
Despite such a legacy, Zengő spoke with shy humility after her victory:
“I feel really good, I am so glad to win the gold! I had three matches and it all went well. My grandad and my dad were also judoka, but I don’t feel it as pressure. It is more like pride, and I want to carry on the name without nerves weighing me down.
“I have been doing judo since I was five, and now at 14, I just love it, fighting, the stances, the holds, even the groundwork. My role models? First my grandad, of course, and also Hungarian judoka, but I look up to everyone. One of my biggest inspirations is Olympic champion Barbara Matić. I met her at a camp in Croatia, and it felt amazing, really motivating. Judo just makes me happy.”
Finding Focus Through Judo
Not every champion comes from a family of judoka. Mészáros Olivér, winner of the U13/-42kg category, found judo in a different way but one that changed his life.
“As a young child I had attention deficit disorder, and my dad suggested judo because it would be good for my nervous system. From the moment I stepped on the mat, I felt this was my sport, and that’s why I have stayed. Today was tough, especially the final against Dani, we usually train together, but he came at me really aggressively, and it turned into a great match. Winning makes me happy, but more than that, judo gives me focus, joy, and people who support me. That’s why I love it.”
Dreaming of Japan
Closing the weekend in style was Török Zoltán, who captured gold in the U15/-55kg category with impressive skill and maturity beyond his years.
“I had a great day and really enjoyed the whole competition. I used quite a lot of techniques, but my hardest fight was definitely the semi-final, because our styles were almost exactly the same, we were cancelling each other attacks but in the end, I still came out on top.
“I have been doing judo for about eight years now, and I just love the sport itself, the throws, the challenges, and especially the community around it. My role model is Abe from Japan, our styles are very similar, and one day I would love to go to Japan to learn even more. My favourite technique is the sode-tsurikomi-goshi, it’s fast and powerful, and it suits me well.”
This weekend in Győr was an example of the passion, resilience, and joy that judo sparks in young athletes, whether they carry a family legacy or carve their own path. Their technical skills, their attitude, and above all their love for the sport shone as brightly as their medals.
The journey continues in Brno, Czech Republic, on 4–5 October 2025, where Europe’s brightest young judoka will once again take to the tatami and write the next chapter of this remarkable story.
Images: Carlos Ferreira / Bor Veronika
Author: Szandra Szogedi