Following the draw for the 2026 European Championships, being held this week in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, a press conference was held to give the media an opportunity to meet with delegation coaches, athletes, EJU officials and Georgian Judo Federation personnel.
On the panel were EJU President Dr Laszlo Toth, Georgian Judo Federation President Mr Levan Nozadze, Georgian Head Coach Mr Lasha Gujejiani, Netherlands Head Coach Mr Mark Van Der Ham, Czech judoka and double European champion Renata Zachova and Spanish European medallist David Garcia Thorne.
Dr Toth noted that teamwork around Europe has been and continues to be key when strategising around the development of judo across the continent. The collaboration between athletes, coaches and referees is the strength of the EJU, especially as the European referees have been dominating the world circuit in terms of refereeing level.
He went on to celebrate the statistics gleaned from the delegation entry data for this European championships, overjoyed by the participation of 8 Olympic champions, 33 Olympic medallists, 21 world champions and no less than 34 European champions. Dr Toth said, “For countries hosting the European championships, it’s like a rocket for the host nation’s results.”
Mr Gujejiani spoke about the motivation this event has delivered to the Georgian athletes, which illustrated Dr Toth’s points perfectly. Mr Gujejiani revealed, “All the Georgian athletes want to win here at home and so their effort would be present even without the coaches pushing them.” Such is the impact of a home event!
Mark Van Der Ham, head coach for the Netherlands, who will take up the mantle of hosting the continental liaison next year, added, “I learned a lot from my recent roles in different countries, that culture plays a big part in what we do, for example. Even in education, things are different and will help all of us if we can understand this.” Georgia is known for a passionate and inclusive culture that celebrates every victory and every marker of excellence.
Van Der Ham continued, “Despite our [Netherlands] history in the sport, we must not look back now but concentrate on what we can achieve right here, today, now, with the athletes we have and the preparation we completed.” This attitude will no doubt impact the organisation of the next European championship too, encouraging everyone in every role to embrace their ‘present’ and deliver their best work when the time comes.
Dr Toth’s presentation explored ideas further, noting that from a cultural and sporting point of view, differences can be our strength, diversity and collaboration our keys. Openness helps everyone to understand the world of judo and the world itself better.
Renata Zachova was then asked if she feels there is a target on her back after winning the two most recent continental championships but her answer was clear, “There is no target because each day is a new one,” further supporting Van Der Ham’s philosophy. “Last year I faced a world champion but she did not win that title on the day of my European championship day, but on one that came before. Each new day provides a new possibility.”
This was clearly a key theme of the press conference, one that will surround the performances of many athletes present in Tbilisi, not least for the members of the newly complete Georgian team. Tbilisi is ready, the Georgian team is ready. Are you?
Author: Jo Crowley