Belgrade, Serbia, have already played hosts to major events, and look forwarding to doing so again with the European Club Championships: Mixed Team Champions League 2025, in November. The crowds there are simply sensational as is the organisation, making it one of the hubs of judo in current times.
Without diligent preparation however, these events and these athletes wouldn’t be who they are, and so Serbia have also joined the calendar with an OTC between the 13th and 18th of October. It is prime time for many athletes at varying levels, with a Grand Prix in Mexico just around the corner, not to mention the Sarajevo European Open in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. In fact, only two weeks later, the U23 European Championships will be held in Moldova, so this is the perfect time for athletes all over Europe and the world to take a strong opportunity for world-class randori.
In a state of the art venue, athletes will be completely taken care of in the most professional manner. Already visited by European Judo Union President, Dr TOTH Laszlo, the venue has seal of approval, and Vice President, Ivan TODOROV, is ready to welcome all to the capital.
Belgrade not only offers itself as a sporting hub, but it is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the world, perfectly situated for those travelling and capitalising on the rest periods.
European finalist, Grand Slam and Grand Prix winner, Marica PERISIC ,
Having the first ever OTC take place in Belgrade feels deeply personal. It’s not just a milestone for us, but a historic step for Serbian judo. This is something we’ve worked hard toward, and it’s finally happening on our soil. For me and my team, this is more than just a training event, it’s a symbol of how far Serbian judo has come.
We’re proud, grateful, and ready to welcome the world.
Team Serbia always have a strong presence and great friendship with the other countries and continents, so it is a pleasure for the European and World medallists to invite their friends and best sparring partners to experience their hospitality.
Author: Thea Cowen