The Adapted Judo Tour is ready to roll once again, with Belgium set to host the opening stop of 2026. Not only does it mark the first event of the new calendar year but it also signals Belgium’s debut as a host of the Triglav Insurance Get Together Tour. The city of Kortrijk will welcome athletes and delegations on 11–12 April, setting the tone for another year of inclusive competition.
Much has evolved since the last adapted judo event in December 2025. A significant milestone is the establishment of the EJU Adapted Judo Commission, a dedicated body tasked with shaping the future of the programme. At its helm is Marina Drašković, Head of the EJU Adapted Judo Commission, who reflected on both the expansion of the tour and this new structural step forward:
“It is truly encouraging to see a new country joining the Get Together Tour as a host. Welcoming Belgium to the tour is an important milestone for the continued growth of adapted judo across Europe. Our goal within the EJU Adapted Judo Commission is to ensure that every national federation develops opportunities for athletes with disabilities to practice and compete in judo. When a new country steps forward to organise a tournament, it shows that this vision is spreading and becoming reality. I would like to sincerely thank the Belgian Judo Federation for their initiative and commitment to the development of adapted judo.
“As per the establishment of the EJU Adapted Judo Commission, it marks an important step in the structured development of adapted judo within the European Judo Union. The commission brings together a diverse group of experts, including medical doctors, the EJU Sport Director, a refereeing representative, and experienced adapted judo specialists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all initiatives, competitions, and development programmes are aligned with the standards and values of the EJU. It is essential for us that adapted judo continues to grow within a clear, professional framework that guarantees quality, safety, and equal opportunities for all athletes. Through the work of the commission, we aim to further strengthen the system and support the long-term development of adapted judo across Europe.”
The calendar is steadily taking shape. Alongside Belgium, confirmed stops include Poland, France and the Netherlands, while the Adapted Judo Kata European Championships will be staged in Sarajevo. The Shiai competitions of the European Championships are set to take place in Serbia, reinforcing a growing and geographically diverse circuit.
Yet, despite the visible progress, Drašković’s ambition reaches further still:
“My vision for adapted judo within the EJU is to continue building a strong and sustainable system that creates real opportunities for athletes with disabilities across Europe. Education must remain at the heart of this development because only through knowledge and understanding can we ensure quality, safety, and long-term growth of adapted judo within our national federations. I am particularly pleased that at the upcoming European Kata Championships we were able to expand one category and introduce an additional kata, opening new possibilities for judoka with disabilities to participate and express their skills. Another very encouraging step this year is the support of five sponsors who have joined the adapted judo project, allowing us to provide excellent conditions for organisers and further strengthen the Get Together Tour. I truly believe that the European Judo Union can become a model for other sports when it comes to building meaningful and sustainable inclusion. Adapted judo is not only a development project, it represents the future of inclusive sport in Europe.”
Kortrijk is more than just the first stop. It is the starting signal for a movement that continues to gather pace. Get ready to witness what ‘Judo for All’ truly means and follow every moment behind the scenes on @europeanjudo.
Author: Szandra Szogedi