European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

France to Host Veteran Europeans in 2026

France is set to host the European Judo Championships Veterans 2026. The official flag handover ceremony took place this afternoon in Riga, marking the conclusion of the European Judo Championships Veterans 2025. During the ceremony, Émilie Andéol, Vice-President of France Judo and Rio 2016 Olympic Champion, proudly accepted the honour…

25 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

France Extends Its Lead as New Nations Shine on Day Three in Riga

Day Three of the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 saw continued dominance from the French team, who doubled their overall medal tally from the previous days, concluding the day with an impressive haul of 25 gold, 28 silver, and 35 bronze medals. Georgia made a strong leap into second…

24 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Bartoli’s Veteran Judo Legacy

On the third day of the Veteran European Judo Championships 2025 in Riga, a moment of deep appreciation and pride unfolded. Mr Jean-Luc Bartoli, a long-standing figure in French judo and head committee member of the Veteran Commission of France Judo, was awarded a commemorative medal set, an honour that recognises…

24 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

A Final Bow in Riga

There are moments in sport that transcend medals, rankings and statistics, moments that pulse with emotion, legacy and love. At the European Judo Championships Veterans 2025, held fittingly at the International Exhibition Centre in Riga, Latvia, one such moment unfolded as Aigars Milenbergs stepped onto the tatami for what was…

24 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Fighting Spirit and Family Pride Light Up Day Two in Riga

The second day of the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 brought thrilling action from the M3–M4 categories, alongside ne-waza contests for the F1–3 and M1–3 divisions. Although the day started off slowly, the final block more than made up for it, delivering plenty of high-energy bouts and well-deserved standing…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Riga’s Own Valentins Azarovs, 83, Esteemed at Veteran Europeans 2025

Valentins Azarovs, who lives and trains in Riga, claimed the title of the eldest competitor at the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025. He competed on the first day of the event and, on the second day, was awarded a commemorative medal set in recognition of his dedication to judo,…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Dr Ivan Bohaček Honoured for Excellence in Medical Service

During the opening ceremony of the European Judo Championships Veterans 2025, Dr Ivan Bohaček was presented with a Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the European Judo Union Medical Commission throughout 2024. This prestigious award was bestowed upon Dr Bohaček in honour of his outstanding professionalism,…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

The Veteran European Championships is hereby Declared Open

The European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 is officially declared open! The opening ceremony featured beautiful celebrations on the tatami, including traditional dancing. Beginning the speeches was Mr Vsevolods Zelonijs, President of the Latvian Judo Federation. “Dear President of the European Judo Union, dear athletes, guests, and fellow veterans, it…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Strategic Vision for Latvian Judo Unveiled: 2025–2031 Development Meeting in Riga

A pivotal meeting dedicated to shaping the future of judo in Latvia was held on 23 May at the Latvian Olympic Committee headquarters in Riga. Bringing together key figures from both national and European judo institutions, the session marked a significant step in the strategic development of the sport across…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Eduardo Garcia: A Life Shaped by Judo

In the world of judo, few names carry the quiet strength and enduring passion of Eduardo Garcia. A Portuguese judoka whose journey spans more than half a century, Eduardo is a man whose life has been inseparable from the tatami. It all began when he was just six years old.…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

From Student to Master

Dirk Vandevoort earned a well-fought bronze in the M6 -90kg category at the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025. Reflecting on his final bout, he said, “I am genuinely pleased. I didn’t expect to take bronze, and to score a yuko just three seconds before the end made it a…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Whether First or Many, Gratitude Never Fades

The opening day of the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 saw non-stop action across the M5–M9 categories. By sunset, France had surged to the top of the medal table with an impressive haul of 10 gold, 8 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Germany followed with 6 gold, 5 silver…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Gold, Grit and a Lifetime on the Tatami

In a dazzling display of discipline and determination, Garayalde Elorza claimed his sixth European title in the M7 -60kg category on the first day of the Veteran European Judo Championships Riga 2025. For the Spanish judoka, who first stepped onto a tatami at the age of six, judo is far more than a sport. Reflecting on…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

“Judo Has Followed Me My Whole Life”

From the wind-swept cliffs of the Faroe Islands to the polished tatami of the veteran Europeans (M5, -81kg), Bugvi Poulsen’s journey is anything but ordinary. Though now based in Denmark, the Faroese judoka carries his island identity with pride and a deep love for the sport that has shaped much…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

The Unique Spirit of Judo Arrives in Riga

It has been just over six months since Europe claimed 45 gold medals at the veteran world championships in Las Vegas, and now, over the next four days (22–25 May), the continental championships will take place in Riga. Latvia is hosting such an event for the first time, but with…

21 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

14 Days to the Veteran European Judo Championships

With just two weeks remaining, excitement is growing across the judo community as Riga prepares to welcome nearly 1000 competitors from 35 countries for the Veteran European Judo Championships 2025. From 21–25 May, Latvia’s capital will host the prime event of the veteran judo calendar, bringing together athletes aged 30…

8 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Competing at 60 and Beyond: Why Judo and a Few Sports Keep the Fire Alive?

In a world that often equates athletic performance with youth, there is something incredibly powerful about stepping out onto the mat, field, track or pool at 60 or older. There are only a little more than a handful of sports that truly welcome competitors at this age. Judo is proudly…

29 March 2025