With 448 days remaining until the opening of the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, preparations are steadily advancing for what promises to be a landmark edition of the continental multi-sport event. Türkiye’s largest city will take centre stage and notably, judo has secured its place within the official programme.
In a carefully structured approach to the 2027 calendar, the European Judo Union (EJU) has aligned its flagship events across key hosts. While the Netherlands will stage the individual competitions of the Senior European Judo Championships, Istanbul has been entrusted with the mixed-team event, a format that has rapidly gained prominence since its introduction at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The decision reflects both strategic planning and a commitment to elevating the visibility of team judo on one of Europe’s most significant sporting platforms.
This allocation was formally addressed during the first EJU Executive Committee meeting of the year in Malta earlier this month, where senior leadership finalised key organisational matters relating to the Games. Notably, the Romanian Judo Federation also expressed their interest in hosting the European mixed-team event 2027; however, they did not fulfil the conditions set out in the contract within the required timeframe. Therefore, following a comprehensive evaluation process, Istanbul was confirmed as the most suitable host, ensuring the highest operational standards and delivery capacity.
At the centre of these preparations stands Sezer Huysuz, President of the Turkish Judo Federation, Sport Director of the European Judo Union and a member of the Istanbul 2027 Organising Committee. Bringing together institutional leadership and on-the-ground organisational expertise, Huysuz offers a unique and authoritative perspective on the scale of the undertaking.
In a moment where governance, logistics and sporting ambition intersect, his insights provide a clear indication of both the readiness and the vision underpinning Istanbul’s preparations for 2027. As preparations gather momentum, Huysuz offers a measured yet confident outlook on the road ahead, underpinned by structured planning and strong institutional cooperation.
“First, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the European Judo Union, Dr. Tóth László, and the President of the International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, for their support in organising the 2027 European Games in our country, as well as for their overall contributions to Turkish judo,” he begins, setting the tone for a project built on collaboration at the highest level.
The operational groundwork, he explains, is already well underway. “The preparation phases for the judo branch of the 2027 European Games in Istanbul are ongoing through various meetings and consultations. On 15 January, we held a meeting with the Turkish Olympic Committee, the European Olympic Committees, our federation and other authorised Turkish bodies. The process was reviewed and routine work is progressing as planned. All logistics, including venue set-up, accommodation and transportation, are being managed within the framework of our core planning.”
His dual role, both nationally and within the wider European structure, places him in a unique position of responsibility. “As the Judo Federation, we are coordinating the judo branch of the European Games. Carrying out this duty while representing our country in Europe is a great honour,” he notes.
Beyond organisation, the significance of hosting such an event carries broader strategic weight. “Hosting this prestigious organisation, often regarded as a test event for the Olympic Games, in our country in 2027 is a source of immense happiness and pride. Since Türkiye is a candidate to host the 2036 Olympic Games, organising such high-profile competitions as rehearsals is of great importance.”
The decision to award Istanbul the mixed-team event is not only logistical but symbolic, particularly within the Olympic cycle. “Having successfully hosted top prestigious events like the Grand Slam and Grand Prix in judo, I am confident that we will deliver this organisation to the highest standard. Istanbul is the meeting point of Europe and Asia; with its historical and cultural heritage as a cradle of civilisation, we fully believe the event will be worthy of the city’s name.”
Huysuz is equally clear on the importance of judo’s place within the European Games programme. “I believe that including judo in the European Games through team competitions is a crucial element in an organisation where many sports take the stage. We remained insistent on this matter to demonstrate its significance. Judo has always been the sport that adds the most ‘colour’ to multi-sport events. In both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, judo was recognised as one of the most successful disciplines in terms of organisation.”
This confidence is reinforced by close cooperation between key stakeholders. “We are managing this process successfully through joint efforts with the Turkish Olympic Committee and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, in coordination with the European Olympic Committees and the European Judo Union.”
Huysuz believes Istanbul’s unique identity will leave a lasting impression. In many ways, his words reflect more than preparation alone; they signal intent. With less than a year and a half to go, Istanbul is shaping an experience unlike anything seen before.
Author: Szandra Szogedi