Faro will host the next edition of the ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup Tour 2026 on 23–24 May. This is the second event in the south of Portugal, this time dedicated to the younger ones, and already setting a new participation record.
Usually associated with the largest motorcycle gathering held annually in Portugal, the Algarve city will, for one weekend, exchange the sound of engines for the pulse of world judo. Faro will swap asphalt for tatami, speed for the explosiveness of throws, and the adrenaline of the open road for the emotion of every contest.
The capital of the Algarve region, Faro is renowned for the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa, its strong connection to the sea, and its rich historical heritage, attracting visitors from around the world. Over the weekend, it will also become the European capital of cadet judo.
The 2026 edition will mark a new participation record for European judo events held on Portuguese soil. A total of 618 judoka from 32 countries will travel to Faro with one shared objective: reaching the top step of the podium.
Among the competitors will be 21 athletes currently ranked inside the top 10 of the Cadet World Ranking List (WRL) in their respective categories, including two world number ones.
Representing Türkiye, Hatice Tuana Balci (+70 kg) arrives in Faro aiming to strengthen her position at the top of the rankings. From the other side of the Atlantic, Brazilian athlete Arthur Bonato (-50 kg) will be looking to collect valuable points to further consolidate his cadet world number one status.
Portugal will field a strong delegation of 99 athletes, 39 of whom already hold ranking points and positions on the Cadet World Ranking List.
Among the standout names is Sofia Gaspar, currently ranked 14th in the world in the -52 kg category. The young Portuguese athlete has stepped onto the podium at every European event she has contested this season and sees Faro as an important test ahead of the European Championships.
“The objective is to reach the medals and give my best on the tatami in every contest.”
Competing on home soil also carries special significance for the Portuguese athlete:
“For me, competing in my country feels different. Even though Faro is far from Coimbra, the support feels much stronger. Hearing the crowd behind us at home gives us a special confidence.”
For Gaspar, consistency throughout the season has come down to several key factors:
“The factors for achieving good results involve continuous training, great dedication, balancing school and training, and developing an increasingly stronger mindset.”
The Portuguese cadet national team will be led by coach Joana Ramos, who views this competition as a crucial moment for the country’s young athletes:
“This competition represents the culmination of an entire season of work for these cadets. It is the final major opportunity before the cadet European Championships and therefore carries very special competitive and emotional significance.”
For Ramos, competing in Portugal gives the event even greater meaning:
“For many athletes, this event may prove decisive in achieving qualification standards for the cadet European Championships but above all, it is an opportunity to show their best level in a very special environment: at home, in front of club teammates, national teammates, families and coaches who support them every day.”
Finally, Gaspar also shared a message of gratitude to those who continue to support her journey:
“I want to thank everyone who supports me, whether they are judoka or not, especially my family, friends, coaches and club teammates. All that support means a lot to me.”
The countdown is underway. On 23–24 May, Faro will welcome some of Europe’s finest young judoka for a weekend of high-level competition in the south of Portugal.
Author: Antonio Costa
Author: EJU Media