The city of Naples is set to host the U23 European Judo Championships 2026. The official flag handover ceremony took place this afternoon in Chisinau, marking the conclusion of the 2025 edition. During the ceremony, Team Manager and International Relations Officer, Mr Alessandro Comi, proudly accepted the honour and received the EJU flag on behalf of FIJLKAM.
“After this outstanding edition here in Chisinau, it is a great responsibility to take over the organisation of the next U23 European Championships. Yet Italy, which I have the honour to represent here today, embraces this challenge with pride, determination, and a deep sense of commitment.
“An event of such prestige has been missing from Italy since 1999, when Rome hosted the Junior European Championships. Now, the city of Naples is ready to welcome Europe’s future champions with open arms, passionate crowds, and the unmistakable warmth of southern Italy,” said Mr Comi following the official ceremony.
FIJLKAM (Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate Arti Marziali), the governing body of judo and other combat sports in Italy, was founded in 1902. The federation has earned 19 Olympic medals in judo (5 gold, 4 silver, and 10 bronze) and has played a pivotal role in every one of these achievements. Through its strong educational mission and elite training programmes, FIJLKAM continues to nurture the next generation of judoka, reaffirming Italy’s place on the world judo stage.
With its rich judo heritage, Naples, home to champions and rising stars alike, offers world-class facilities, enthusiastic local support, and the full organisational strength of FIJLKAM as it prepares to host this prestigious European event.
The event will be held in Ponticelli, the vibrant eastern district of Naples, PalaVesuvio is a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to host high-level competitions across multiple disciplines. As one of the flagship venues developed for the 30th Summer Universiade in 2019, the arena was built to meet international standards and has since become a benchmark for both national and international sporting events. An EJU event has already been held here, back in 2023.
Italian Judo Federation President, Giuseppe Matera also shared his thoughts. “We are deeply proud that Italy has been chosen to host next year’s U23 European Judo Championships. This is a prestigious achievement that rewards the constant commitment of FIJLKAM and of the entire Italian judo movement, which has always been at the forefront in promoting sport as a means of growth, education, and inclusion.
“Hosting an event of such importance represents an extraordinary opportunity to highlight our young talents and offer them an international stage of the highest level, while also showcasing to Europe the organisational excellence and passion that have always distinguished our Federation.
“This will be an event that brings together sport, culture, and local heritage, strengthening the bonds among nations and spreading the true values of judo: respect, friendship, and determination. I wish to thank the European Judo Union for the trust placed in us, and all those who, with professionalism and dedication, will make this great event possible. Italy is ready to welcome the judo community of Europe with enthusiasm and pride.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi