The Macedonian Opera House in Skopje hosted hundreds of dignitaries, athletes and sporting officials on the evening of 29 January for the nation’s most prestigious sporting celebration. Amongst the assembled gathering, including multiple mayors, ambassadors, Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski, and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, one federation waited with particular anticipation.
When the Sport Association of the Year award was announced, North Macedonia’s Judo Federation received validation for a transformational year that reshaped both the sport’s domestic profile and its international standing. North Macedonia had plenty to celebrate across sport in 2025, with the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) representing one particular pinnacle but judo carved its own distinctive path to recognition.
Skopje hosted the first-ever Cadet European Championships on Macedonian soil mid-summer, welcoming Europe’s rising stars for a landmark continental event. It wasn’t a one-off spectacle either, the federation demonstrated consistency and commitment by hosting several European Cups throughout the year, proving their organisational capabilities extended beyond a single showcase moment.
This sustained excellence earned them the EJU’s Organiser of the Year award. Yet on the evening of 29 January, the real fruit of their labour received national acknowledgement. Vladimir Trpanoski, President of the Judo Federation of North Macedonia, could barely contain his emotion following the announcement.
“I am thrilled because this is a historic moment for our federation,” he declared. “This is the first award we have received, a historic moment for Macedonian judo. We are Macedonian samurai. We are at the top of Macedonian sport.”
The significance of the achievement cannot be overstated. “In competition with football and handball, the strongest and most popular sports in Macedonia, we managed to win. Why? Because with work and sacrifice, everything is possible. I am proud of us and our team.”
Beating football and handball for national sporting supremacy represents more than symbolic victory, it signals judo’s emergence from niche activity to mainstream force within North Macedonian society.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski took to social media following the ceremony to emphasise sport’s strategic importance to the nation.
“Today I attended the 2025 Most Successful Athletes Awards Ceremony, which represents a momentous act of recognition for their continued effort, dedication and exceptional performance achieved over the past year,” Mickoski posted.
“This event is a strong affirmation of the strategic importance of investing in sports, as well as supporting the young generations, who are the foundation for a healthy, active and prosperous society.”
The North Macedonia Judo Federation’s journey from continental newcomer to award-winning organisation illustrates what focused ambition, governmental support and relentless work ethic can achieve.
Hosting the Cadet European Championships wasn’t simply about welcoming athletes, it represented a statement of intent. Following through with multiple European Cups demonstrated sustainability. Earning both EJU recognition and now national supremacy validates the entire strategy.
Images: Ministry of Sport of North Macedonia
Author: Szandra Szogedi