On the second day of the Junior European Judo Championships Bratislava 2025, the tournament was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests: Matúš Šutaj Eštok, Minister of the Interior of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, President of Slovakia and Ivana Šufliarska Libiaková, State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
During the opening ceremony, Minister Eštok was the first to address the audience:
“Dear President of the European Judo Federation,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Athletes, coaches, and esteemed guests,
“It is a great honour for me to welcome you today here in Bratislava on the occasion of the opening of the 2025 European Junior Judo Championships. I am pleased that Slovakia is once again becoming a stage for major international sporting events, having recently hosted international tournaments in other sports.
“We now welcome a championship in a sport that is built on discipline, courage, and respect for one’s opponent. Judo is a discipline I have often heard about, including from my colleague and friend, Richard Raši, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, who practiced judo until the age of 22. Through him, I have come to appreciate how demanding and, at the same time, how beautiful this sport truly is.
“At this championship, Slovakia is represented by 14 promising athletes, and for the first time in history, also by a mixed team. I am keeping my fingers crossed for all of them and truly believe they will deliver performances that both they and the whole of Slovakia can be proud of.
“I wish all participants fair competition and sporting success, and I wish the spectators an unforgettable experience.”
Following the Minister, Dr. Tóth László , President of the European Judo Union, also addressed the crowed:
“Your Excellency, President Pellegrini,
Dear Minister Eštok,
Distinguished guests, dear members of the judo family,
“It is a great honour for the European Judo Union to welcome you all to the 2025 Junior European Judo Championships here in Bratislava. After many years, Slovakia is once again hosting a major international judo event, and for us it is both a deep pleasure and a privilege to share in organising such an important competition.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Slovak Government, the Slovak Olympic Committee, and the Slovak Judo Federation for their commitment and support in making this championship possible. My thanks also goes to the EJU team, and all those who have contributed to the successful preparation of this event.
“I wish all delegations the very best of luck, a competition full of excellent performances and lasting memories of this championship.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi