MyBacknumber.com, the pioneering force behind personalised judo backnumber systems, has renewed its sponsorship commitment to the European Judo Union for 2026. The official contract signing ceremony took place in Belgrade, where CEO Johann Drews represented the company and shared his reflections on the partnership’s journey and his vision for the year ahead.
Since introducing the backnumber system to judo in 2009, MyBacknumber.com has established itself as an integral part of the sport’s fabric across Europe. For Mr Drews and his team, the partnership with the EJU transcends conventional sponsorship arrangements, representing a deep-rooted commitment to the judo community.
“As the pioneers who introduced the backnumber system in 2009, our journey with the EJU is built on a long history of innovation,” Mr Drews explained. “For us, this partnership is about more than just visibility; it is about being a trusted part of the judo family.”
The most valuable outcome of the partnership, according to Mr Drews, has been the ability to remain at the heart of the sport. “Our partnership with the EJU strengthens our brand across Europe and, more importantly, keeps us connected to the athletes, clubs and organisers who rely on our expertise every day,” he noted.
When discussing how MyBacknumber.com measures the success of its EJU sponsorship, Mr Drews emphasised that traditional metrics tell only part of the story. “Success for us is measured by the trust of the community. Whilst we track web analytics and shop growth, the most important metric is the feedback from the tatami. Every athlete is proud to wear their backnumber, and we are proud to be a part of every successful career and story. When we see our products on the backs of champions and young beginners alike, that is our greatest KPI. The partnership delivers value by turning brand recognition into long-term loyalty.”
Looking towards the renewed partnership for 2026, Mr Drews outlined his company’s commitment to authentic collaboration with the EJU. “Looking ahead, we want to deepen our partnership in ways that feel authentic and valuable for both sides. Our focus remains on supporting athletes and organisers through reliable, high-quality personalisation solutions. Beyond that, we are open to joint initiatives that help bring the values of judo to more children and young people across Europe.”
He continued: “We see 2026 as an opportunity to grow together with the EJU step by step and always with the goal of strengthening the sport and its community.”
For MyBacknumber.com, supporting European judo represents far more than a business decision, it reflects the company’s core ethos. “Judo is in our DNA. We believe that everyone can benefit personally from learning judo and the values behind it. Supporting European judo is therefore a natural extension of our company ethos,” Mr Drews stated.
He particularly highlighted the importance of inclusion within the sport: “We see inclusion as essential for the future of the sport. Initiatives and innovations such as the EJU’s, Adapted Judo Programme show how judo can open doors for people with disabilities and create equal opportunities on and off the tatami. We highly value this kind of development, as it reflects the principles of respect, equality and mutual understanding that we also carry at the core of our company.”
Mr Drews emphasised that partnering with the EJU means working with an organisation that shares these fundamental values and uses the sport to create positive social impact across Europe. When asked about opportunities for deeper collaboration in the coming year, Mr Drews revealed an exciting strategic direction: “We see a great opportunity in accompanying the ‘Individual Athlete Journey’ even more closely. In 2026, we want to focus on products that help athletes celebrate and share their personal milestones. By providing high-quality, individualised products that capture specific moments of success, we enable athletes and the EJU to tell their unique stories to the world. This makes the sport more personal and engaging for fans and the community alike.”
The renewal of the MyBacknumber.com sponsorship represents a continuation of a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values and a genuine commitment to the development of judo across Europe. As both organisations look towards 2026 and beyond, the partnership promises to deliver innovative solutions that celebrate individual achievement whilst strengthening the collective judo community.
Author: EJU Media