When athletes step onto the tatami at major European competitions, they rarely think about what is beneath their feet. Yet the quality, safety and performance of competition mats can make the difference between confidence and hesitation, between peak performance and injury risk. For Zebra Regupol, that responsibility is both technical challenge and point of pride.
Although CEO André Krüger of Regupol Zebra Athletics could not attend the official contract signing in Belgrade, his commitment to the EJU partnership remains clear. In an extended conversation about the collaboration’s evolution, Krüger outlined a vision that extends far beyond logo placement, one built on innovation, sustainability and genuine integration into European judo’s development.
Speaking on the partnership’s achievements thus far, Krüger highlighted outcomes that extend beyond traditional sponsorship metrics. “Looking back, our partnership with the European Judo Union has been extremely valuable on multiple levels,” he explained. “As the main mat sponsor, being present at EJU events has significantly strengthened ZEBRA’s brand visibility across Europe and beyond. Our mats are not only seen but experienced by athletes at the highest level, which is incredibly important for a performance-driven product like ours.”
Yet, visibility alone doesn’t define success for Zebra. “Beyond visibility, the partnership has helped us build strong and authentic connections within the European judo community, from elite athletes and coaches to national federations and organisers. This direct engagement aligns perfectly with our business objectives: developing products that truly meet the needs of judoka and positioning ZEBRA as a trusted, long-term partner of the sport.”
It is this emphasis on authentic connection, on being experienced rather than merely seen, that distinguishes Zebra’s approach from conventional sports sponsorship. Renewing for 2026 represents, in Krüger’s view, a natural progression rather than a simple contract extension.
“Renewing our commitment for 2026 is a natural next step for us and we are very excited about the future of this partnership,” he stated. “Moving forward, our expectation is to further deepen our collaboration with the EJU and continue growing together within the European judo landscape.” The company’s ambitions for the coming year reflect both technical and strategic priorities. “We would like to place an even stronger focus on innovation, quality and sustainability, both in terms of mat technology and how major judo events are presented.”
Geographically, Europe remains central to Zebra’s strategy, with the EJU playing a crucial role in market development. “Europe remains a key region for ZEBRA and the EJU plays an essential role in connecting us with emerging markets and the next generation of athletes.” Furthermore, perhaps most significantly, Krüger envisions the relationship evolving beyond traditional sponsor-organisation dynamics. “We see our involvement evolving from pure sponsorship to an even more integrated partnership that actively supports the development and professionalisation of European judo.”
How does a mat manufacturer measure sponsorship success? For Zebra, the answer combines data with direct feedback. “We measure the success of our sponsorship through a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors,” Krüger explained. “Of course, brand exposure at EJU events, media reach and digital visibility are important KPIs for us. However, what we value just as much is the feedback we receive directly from athletes, coaches and federations who train and compete on our mats.”
This dual approach, tracking metrics whilst listening to users, has delivered tangible results. “The partnership has clearly delivered value in terms of brand recognition and trust. Being consistently associated with top-level European judo has strengthened our credibility and supported business development, particularly through long-term relationships rather than short-term gains.”
It is an approach that prioritises sustained credibility over quick wins, relationships over transactions. For some companies, sports sponsorship represents marketing opportunity. For Zebra, it reflects deeper organisational values. “Supporting European judo is deeply connected to our company ethos,” Krüger emphasised. “At ZEBRA, we believe in contributing to the growth of sport, fair competition and healthy lifestyles. Judo represents values such as respect, discipline and mutual support, values that strongly resonate with our own corporate culture.”
The commitment extends beyond elite competition. “By partnering with EJU, we are not only backing elite competition but also helping to create safe, professional and inspiring environments for athletes at all levels. This commitment is an important part of our broader responsibility as a sports equipment manufacturer.” It is this recognition, that mat manufacturers bear responsibility for athlete safety and performance across all levels, that defines Zebra’s approach to corporate social responsibility within sport.
For 2026, Krüger identified multiple avenues for expanding the partnership’s scope and impact. “In 2026, we see many opportunities for deeper collaboration, especially in the areas of innovation, event presentation and digital content,” he outlined. “This could include closer cooperation around major events, joint storytelling that highlights athletes and behind-the-scenes aspects of judo and continued development of competition environments that meet the highest international standards.”
The vision is collaborative rather than transactional. “We believe that by working even more closely together, we can create added value not only for our two organisations but for the entire European judo community.”
Every throw, every technique, every medal-winning performance at European judo events begins with the foundation beneath athletes’ feet. Zebra Regupol’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability ensures that foundation meets the highest standards, allowing athletes to focus entirely on their performance, confident in the surface supporting them.
Author: EJU Media