On Wednesday, 5th February 2025, the Montenegrin Judo Federation held its matinee at the Crown Plaza Hotel Podgorica with an official gathering of all local media to promote the EJU flagship event, the senior European Judo Championships 2025. The event took place during lunch hours and by nightfall, judo was flooding out of every news agency in the country.
Nearly 30 media stations from various media channels were present to gain valuable information and promote this prestigious event. The local organising committee has a lot to celebrate this year, as they are not only hosting the first ever senior European Championships in Montenegro but also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Montenegrin Judo Federation.
The President of the Montenegrin Judo Federation, Mr Jovica Rečević, addressed the media by stating;
This is a great honour, not only for judo sport but also for Montenegrin sport in general. A great honour, at the same time a great obligation and responsibility to promote judo sport in the best way, and to send beautiful pictures from Montenegro and Podgorica. This is an opportunity to prove that we as a country are willing and capable of organising the largest sports competitions. In addition to the benefits that the organisation of such a championship will bring to judo sport, it will also bring benefits to the economy, promotion, tourism and position Podgorica as a regional sports centre.
As per our jubilee, I must emphasise that the official date when the federation was established is June 26, 1975, but traces of judo in Montenegro dates back to 1962 at a serious level. This event is the crowning achievement of dedication, long-term work and vision of all of us and you who have dedicated your life, or part of your life, to the development of Montenegrin judo. The project would not have been possible without our friends, sponsors, competitions and volunteers. Finally, this is also a special opportunity to thank the government of Montenegro for recognising the organisation of a large and important event.
Jovana Peković, a former U23 European champion and Montenegro’s representative at the Tokyo Olympics, is undoubtedly one of the brightest hopes for the local team in the upcoming European Championship. As April approaches, she shared her thoughts too;
Judo has taught me to never give up and that every effort pays off in the end. Everyone involved in sports knows how important support is. So thank you to everyone who stands by us and believes in our national team.
Anto Dubreta, European champion at of the Small States 2024 will seek to compete in the +100kg category. He also addressed the crowd;
I am very honoured that the European Championships will be held in Montenegro, namely Podgorica, and that we will have the opportunity to host judoka and sports workers from all over Europe. My wish is that, in addition to good fights, people from here will take away the feeling that they were among friends and that every mention of Montenegro will evoke beautiful memories for them in the future.
Between 23-27 April, the Montenegrin Judo Federation is not only preparing for the championships in Podgorica but also for the kids camp in Budva. In just over two months, Montenegro will be ready to welcome the European judo family and more.
Cover Image: Dejan Lopičić / Lob Sport
Author: Szandra Szogedi