This past weekend, Riga welcomed the Cadet “Millennium Team” European Judo Cup, a vibrant celebration of youth sport that brought together 419 judoka from 24 nations. Now firmly established as one of the most significant cadet judo events in the Baltic region, the tournament once again underscored Riga’s strong position on the European judo calendar.
Among the participants were several outstanding young athletes, including a reigning European Champion from Lithuania and a number of judoka currently ranked on the world list. The 2025 edition reached a record level of participation, attracting competitors not only from the Baltic States, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, but also from large and competitive delegations from Israel and Poland, both of whom arrived with full teams.
A team of 24 international referees ensured that every contest was conducted to the highest standards, in full alignment with EJU and IJF regulations. The event was also honoured by the attendance of representatives from Latvia’s sports leadership and a Major General of the Latvian National Armed Forces, highlighting the national importance of judo as a sport that nurtures both discipline and character in young people.
Latvian judoka produced an impressive performance on home soil. Eriks Homka and Aleksandrs Apsalons stood out with gold medals in the -73 kg and +90 kg categories respectively, while Tits Kullo claimed silver in the -81 kg division. There were also strong fifth-place finishes for Fjodors Zalevskis (-81 kg), Arnolds Losans (-90 kg) and Alekss Patejenoks (+90 kg), and seventh places for Renats Dobržanskis (-81 kg), Varvara Pjatecka (-48 kg) and Alesja Vinceloviča (-70 kg). These results earned the Latvian team several valuable cadet world ranking points and confirmed the depth of local talent emerging through the national system.
The competition provided a valuable platform for young judoka taking their first steps at European Cup level, offering them the chance to gain international experience and collect their first world ranking points, while also giving seasoned cadet athletes the opportunity to reaffirm their leadership and consistency.
Alongside the judo action, the event also included the presentation of the 2024 Judo School Cup awards, recognising the most active schools supporting the growth of the sport across Latvia. Ādaži Secondary School demonstrated its excellence once again by topping several age categories, joined on the podium by institutions from Riga, Jelgava, Alūksne and other regions that continue to invest in youth sport and education.
The EJU team, working closely with the Latvian Judo Federation and dedicated local organisers, ensured a high-level, smoothly run competition, praised for its professionalism, precise timekeeping and warm atmosphere that welcomed athletes, coaches and spectators alike.
The Cadet “Millennium Team” European Judo Cup in Riga once again proved that Latvia is more than capable of hosting major international tournaments with both professionalism and heart. For everyone in attendance, athletes, coaches, officials and fans, it was far more than a competition. It was a true celebration of sport, emotion and unity on the tatami.
Author: Latvian Judo Federation
Author: EJU Media