Author: Carola Paissoni
For the first time ever, Rome is set to host the opening event of the 2026 international U18 circuit, precisely the ‘Millennium Team’ European Cadet Cup. Between 7–8 February, the Palapellicone in Ostia will become the stage for a prestigious competition, welcoming the elite of European cadet judo. The choice of the Italian capital is far from coincidental: with its millennia-old history, Rome evokes strength, challenge and determination.
“It is a matter of great pride to host the opening of the continental U18 tour and to see it begin in Ostia with such incredible numbers. It will be an important challenge for our federation and a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of the Italian system,” said Alessandro Comi, EJU Sport Director.
The Palapellicone, a symbolic venue for Italian judo, has already hosted numerous major international events, though never a Cadet European Cup. This debut marks a historic moment and further confirms Italy’s central role in organising major events across all age groups. The figures promise an extraordinary spectacle: more than 30 participating nations and nearly 800 athletes are expected, ready to deliver contests of high technical and competitive quality. The ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup represents a crucial step in the development pathway of future international judo stars and stands as a true celebration of European youth judo an opportunity for exchange, growth and sporting excellence that will once again place Rome at the heart of the international stage.
“We are truly excited and ready to welcome nearly 800 athletes to Ostia, who will compete this weekend in the first Cadet European Cup of the season. It will be an intense weekend, full of energy and emotion, followed by an important training camp, confirming just how highly anticipated this event is,” declared Andrea Regis, Board Member of the Italian Judo Federation.
“We expected strong participation but the response from athletes and foreign delegations has exceeded all expectations a powerful sign of the interest and value this competition holds within international youth judo. For this reason, we have decided to increase the number of tatami in order to ensure a faster and more efficient competition flow and to offer athletes the best possible conditions. Our main objective is to honour the athletes, highlighting not only their sporting achievements but also the dedication, sacrifices and journeys that brought them here, together with their families. This year, Ostia will also host the Open, further strengthening the venue’s central role in the international calendar. The impressive numbers confirm that the capital region enjoys extraordinary global recognition: Rome continues to hold a unique appeal, attracting athletes, coaches and federations from across the world. We are ready, motivated and determined to deliver a successful event and to provide all participants with a high-level sporting experience and unforgettable memories.” Regis concluded.
The Italian team, currently undergoing significant renewal, will be represented by an impressive 276 athletes, aiming to gain valuable experience at this first international event of the year. Among them are judoka who have already achieved notable results on the World Cadet Tour, as well as at continental and world championships, including Giada Tursi, Aurora Ferro, Matteo Douine, Flavia Gresi and Sara Coni, who has recently begun competing under Italian colours. The largest categories are the middleweights: -66 kg (105 entries) and -57 kg (50 entries).
International participation also features several standout names, such as Fenne Peeters (BEL), EYOF 2025 champion and 2025 European bronze medallist; Helea Balleuil (FRA), winner of three European Cup stages in 2025 in the -52 kg category; and Astan Sacko (FRA), current ranking list leader and 2025 continental silver medallist in +70 kg. In the men’s divisions, Tajus Babaicenko (LTU) will step into a new weight category (-90 kg) following an outstanding 2025 season that included European and World Championship bronze medals alongside EYOF gold. Further confirming the high level of competition are Czech athlete Adam Rusnak, 2025 European silver medallist in -73 kg, and Estonia’s Georg Noges, 2025 European bronze medallist in -66 kg.
Competition Programme
Live stream on JudoTV.com
Saturday (7 February): -40 kg, -44 kg, -48 kg, -52 kg; -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -66 kg.
Sunday (8 February): -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg, -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg, +90 kg.
Author: EJU Media