21 February 2024

EJU VETERAN TOUR LEADS TO LATVIA 

Riga Veteran European Cup 2024

EJU VETERAN TOUR LEADS TO LATVIA 

The first event of the EJU Veteran Tour 2024 is going to be held at the mouth of the River Daugava, Riga. Almost 100 judoka from 23 nations are heading to the capital of Latvia to compete at the Riga Sports Arena. Amongst all, the President of the National Judo Federation of Latvia, former World and Olympic bronze medallist, Mr. Vsevolods ZELONIJS will also be competing. 

The host nation will tackle all challenges with a total of 28 judoka, including Mr Zelonijs. The rest of the team presents many other interesting individuals such as veteran world champion 2023, Jekaterina KRAUZE and veteran Europeans 7th finisher last year, Andrejs BESSOLCEVS. Add to the mix is Latvian entrepreneur, businessman, founder of the Latvian Lido chain of restaurants and former president of the Latvian Judo Federation, Mr. Gunārs ĶIRSONS.

Latvian team at the World Judo Championships Veterans 2023. © Latvian Judo Federation

From the outsiders, Estonia and Ukraine putting forward the largest team. Former veteran worlds silver and bronze medallists, Ray MARQUEZ (USA) is joining the weekend’s line up alongside 6-times veteran world champion and 7-times veteran European champion, Lena STEREA (ROU). Athletes will be allocated to the age division based on: 

a) Meeting the entrance criteria of a minimum of 30 years of age within the year of the event and,

b) Their date of birth in line with the following age ranges: 

Provisional program

Attention: The schedule may be modified according to total number of entries and circumstances of competition. `* The start time will be confirmed once the final number of athletes is known.

Good luck to everyone in Riga.

Author: Szandra Szogedi