In Kocaeli, Türkiye, over 450 children attended the European Judo Hopes Tournament and Kodokan Technical Sessions with expert, NAKAMURA Misato and European Judo Hero, European, World and Olympic medallist, Telma MONTEIRO. It was a huge success and lays the groundwork for these events as we spread out from Central Europe.
This programme is still in its infancy and yet the interest and execution is a testament to the hosting federations as well as the commitment of clubs and families in setting their children up for a positive future in the sport. As well as meeting young judoka from all over Europe, they are learning from the best in the world and meeting elite athletes with decades of experience.
Next on the destination list is Azerbaijan! The hosts of the 2026 World Championships will now focus on their younger generation of athletes and want to welcome all their neighbours and European friends to Baku to celebrate this Hopes Tournament and experience the wonderful hospitality that they have to offer.
On the 26th and 27th of July, the event will be held in the Absheron Olympic Sports Complex. So sign up now!
For clubs it couldn’t be easier, register your athletes in JudoManager !
Author: Thea Cowen