By the time April waved goodbye, every continent had checked off its big-ticket judo bash for the year, now the global spotlight shifts to the grand finale: the World Judo Championships! From June 13 to 19, it’s all about individual glory, and on the 20th, it’s team spirit in full force with the mixed-team showdown. For the third time, Budapest will take centre stage as host of the IJF’s flagship event.
Dr. Toth László, serving as President of the EJU, President of the Hungarian Judo Association, and Vice-President of the International Judo Federation, carries significant responsibilities for this event, both as a local and continental organiser. Reflecting on the preparations, he emphasised the broader significance of the event:
“This World Championships is not just being organised by the Hungarian Judo Association, it is Europe’s World Championships. Sometimes we forget that when a world event is hosted on a continent, it also shows the strength and commitment of that continent. Organising this championship is a statement from Europe that we are ready, once again, to deliver a major world-class event.
“It is a huge advantage for us [Europeans]. Having a world event easily accessible, by car, train, or a short flight, makes a real difference. Competing in the same time zone without long travel or jet lag benefits our athletes enormously. Just like Paris 2024 was a triumph for European judo, Budapest 2025 will help strengthen judo across the continent even further.
“There is serious competition not just between athletes and countries, but between continents too. Hosting more World Championships, Grand Slams, and Grand Prix events in Europe is essential for our continued growth, and judging by the incredible numbers we have seen from this past weekend in Podgorica, the future of European judo is looking brighter than ever.”
Dr. Tóth confirmed that the preparations have entered the final phase and are progressing well, “Fortunately, thanks to the experience of the Hungarian Judo Association and the International Judo Federation, we are in a strong position but there is still a lot of work ahead to make sure everything, not just the competition itself, but the atmosphere and experience, will be truly world-class. Our goal is to have full or nearly full stands every day, especially during the final blocks.
“Hosting a world event is not just about showcasing the local federation. It’s a powerful message to the entire world, improving the host country’s international image and inspiring the next generation. We want as many young people as possible to fall in love with judo, to see it live, on television, or through social media, and to decide that they want to be part of our sport.”
Dr Toth illustrated this impact with a touching story from Montenegro: “At the European Championships in Podgorica, one of the young Montenegrin judoka told us she started judo after volunteering at a youth championship years ago. This shows how hosting major events can change lives, and with Budapest, we hope to inspire tens of thousands of young people to take up judo.”
Official Outlines: https://78884ca60822a34fb0e6-082b8fd5551e97bc65e327988b444396.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/up/2025/04/_WSC_2025_Hungary_Outlines_ver-1745591171.pdf
Author: Szandra Szogedi