Although the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 have officially drawn to a close, the momentum in Latvia’s judo scene is far from fading. The capital city, already buzzing with the energy of hundreds of veteran judoka, now readies itself for yet another prestigious double-header: the Kodokan Kata Seminar from 28–30 May and the Kata European Judo Championships 2025 between 31 May – 1 June.
At the heart of this relentless pace is the Latvian Judo Federation, whose president, Vsevolods Zelonijs, an Olympic medallist and dedicated ambassador for the sport, offered us a candid look behind the scenes and into the future.
“I believe judo is a lifelong sport. The events organised by the European Judo Union for veterans clearly prove that judo has no age limits. Hosting such a high-level event sends a strong message to both former professionals and newcomers that it’s never too late to continue your judo journey. This tournament also allows participants to feel part of the broader judo family, as it is one of the most prestigious events in the calendar.”
With a growing number of judoka continuing beyond the age of 30, Latvia has seen a surge in veteran participation. “Hosting the Veteran European Cup for the second consecutive year reflects our dedication to this segment of the sport. The participation of 26 Latvian athletes in the European Championships is a clear confirmation of the ongoing development of judo in our country.”
Organising several major events back-to-back has its challenges. “The biggest challenge was organising two European-level events within the same week. Both, the Veteran European Championship and the Kata European Championships, are top-tier events with official European Championship status, and that comes with a high level of responsibilities.”
The president noted that personal sporting success can help gain support for such ventures. “It is not only about the Olympic medal, but also my European veteran title from last year. These achievements serve as a strong example and signal to others that continued involvement in judo is meaningful and valued. Veteran judo plays a vital role, it is a great motivator to stay in shape and maintain good health. It keeps people active and connected to the sport for life.”
It is evident that his connection to veteran events runs deep, “For me personally, it’s the joy of once again experiencing the thrill before stepping onto the tatami and the indescribable feeling of victory.” The Latvian Judo Federation has been supporting veteran athletes through regular opportunities for training and competition. “For several years now, we have been organising open training sessions for veterans at the National Judo Centre. We also host the Veteran European Cup in Riga, along with national championships and tournaments that are open to veteran participation.”
Looking beyond May, the federation has its sights set on broader development across various judo disciplines. “We aim to develop all the disciplines supported by the European Judo Union, such as Kata, Ne-waza, and Adapted judo. All the events we organise are not only important for Latvia but also for our Baltic and Northern European region. Our goal is to continue collaborating with all federations in our area which includes more than 10 countries, and improve the quality of judo across all areas.”
Latvia is also considering future bids for more major events. “Yes, we would very much like to host the European Championships for Military and Police. However, our biggest ambition is to eventually organise the European Senior Championships. That would give a strong push to further develop our national team and prepare them for the Olympic Games.”
As for the long-term vision, the federation aims high. “I see our ongoing efforts placing Latvia among the top five Latvian federations. This would elevate judo to a priority sport in the country and significantly boost its development across all levels.” With a packed calendar and ambitious plans ahead, Latvia’s role in the European judo landscape is poised for continued growth.
Author: Szandra Szogedi