Author: Mario Krvavac
Dubrovnik is always a desirable destination, whether for its connection to famous television series, its appeal as a tourist hotspot, or for a judo competition such as the European Senior Cup 2026. This year’s edition of the renowned European Cup has attracted significant interest and, between 28–29 March, 359 judoka from 33 countries will compete in the “Gospino Polje” hall.
Croatia continues to deliver top-level judo events. Following the cadet elite competing in Poreč, the senior athletes now head to Dubrovnik to earn valuable European Cup ranking points.
“Dubrovnik as a destination is undoubtedly one of the key attractions and the conditions provided for competitors, coaches and referees, from accommodation to catering and the overall environment are of the highest standard. As organisers, we make every effort to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and that the atmosphere remains as relaxed as possible and I believe our guests truly feel that,” said Mateo Semiz, assistant coach of the Croatian Judo Federation.
Semiz also serves as coach of the women’s national team and of Judo Club Dubrovnik 1966, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, an added motivation for delivering yet another outstanding edition of the European Cup.
“In addition to the fact that Dubrovnik is special, we are proud that the tradition of top-level judo in southern Croatia continues. Behind every success lies hard work, dedication and discipline. The fact that Dubrovnik’s judoka have progressed even further in this cycle is the result of many years of quality work. It should also be emphasised that the success of our athletes is supported by a large group of people around them who believe in their potential,” added Semiz, who has just returned from Georgia, where Dubrovnik’s leading name and world number three, Iva Oberan (-63kg), secured a Grand Slam bronze medal.
“What makes me particularly happy is that Iva is improving from tournament to tournament. I notice this most in her growing self-confidence and her composure under pressure. She is a powerful judoka with strong instincts, which are not always easy to control, but that is precisely her greatest strength. With increasing confidence, she will continue to improve,” Semiz analysed.
Fans will have the opportunity to support 62 Croatian judoka in Gospino Polje, alongside 39 competitors from Türkiye and 31 from Hungary as the two second largest teams. In addition to home favourite Oberan, several notable names will take to the tatami, including Hungary’s rising talent Szegedi Daniel (-73kg), silver medallist at the 2024 European U23 Championships and fifth-place finisher at the 2025 Senior European Championships, as well as a Grand Prix medallist.
Dominik Družeta, European bronze medallist in 2017, will compete in the -90kg category, while Robert Klačar, bronze medallist at the 2024 Zagreb Grand Prix, enters the -73kg division. Jana Cvjetko, gold medallist at EYOF 2023, will contest the -70kg category and Dubrovnik’s own Petrunjela Pavić will compete in the -78kg category. Giacomo Gamba (ITA/-90kg), son of the renowned Italian judoka and coach Ezio Gamba, will also be among the competitors.
“The organisational goal is always for all our guests to leave satisfied and for the competition to run smoothly. We wish our national team the very best performances and results, so that the Croatian flag, as in previous years, will be among the highest in the overall standings and our athletes will stand proudly on the podium,” Semiz concluded.
“For these reasons, I invite all judo enthusiasts and fans of top-class sport in Dubrovnik to come and support the Croatian national team and enjoy this weekend’s spectacle in Gospino Polje. Alongside many other top names, they guarantee thrilling contests and judo of the highest level.”
The tournament will be streamed live on JudoTV.
Cover Image: Tino Maric
Author: EJU Media