The biggest names in world judo have once again returned to Poreč this June for JudoFest, formerly known as the Judo Festival. Among the six activities taking place during this unique celebration of judo, the European Judo Union’s Olympic Training Camp (OTC) and Cadet Training Camp, held in the Intersport Hall in the Green Lagoon, remain the largest and most attended.
Members of the European and global judo family eagerly await the arrival of June each year, knowing it marks their return to Croatia and the exceptional training conditions that Poreč provides. In 2026, the two major training camps have attracted remarkable numbers: the senior Olympic Training Camp welcomed more than 600 athletes from over 40 nations, whilst the Cadet Training Camp for under-18 judoka gathered around 200 participants.
From 8–13 June, the tatami of the Intersport Hall has become a meeting point for the world’s elite and emerging talents, all searching for improvement through intense training sessions, knowledge exchange and the spirit of mutual development.
Despite being six months pregnant, Olympic Champion Barbara Đinović has not missed the activities of the Croatian Judo Federation.
“It is exactly how it should be: demanding, everyone is working at a very high level and that is how we improve the most. It is wonderful to hear how much others enjoy being here with us and how satisfied they are with the organisation.”
Barbara herself is one of the athletes who developed her international career through this very Olympic Training Camp.
After the demanding morning and afternoon training sessions, judoka, coaches and delegation members can recover in the Plava Laguna hotels, where they have access to everything required for additional preparation, relaxation and the enjoyment of the early summer atmosphere on the Istrian coast.
The Head Coach of the Croatian women’s national team, Dragan Crnov, expressed his pride in welcoming the international judo community:
“We are delighted to host our colleagues and friends from all over the world in Istria, and Poreč together with all the facilities of Plava Laguna only enhances the experience. At the same time, our athletes have the opportunity to train with the very best in the world on home soil, and it is wonderful to see them making full use of this opportunity.”
Two-time Olympic Champion Lukáš Krpálek is a regular visitor to Poreč as he continues to sharpen his form.
“It is always a pleasure to come to Poreč. The conditions are fantastic. The hotels are only a few steps away and after training we can jump straight into the sea. It is especially great that every year I can come here with my family.”
Krpálek is joined by an extraordinary line-up of international stars. The Georgian national team arrived with its strongest squad, led by Olympic Champion Lasha Shavdatuashvili, three-time World Champion Tato Grigalashvili and two-time World Champion Eteri Liparteliani.
The star-studded gathering also includes the world number one in the -70kg category, Lara Cvjetko, the world leader in the -78 kg division, Anna Monta Olek, Paris Olympic silver medallist in the -63 kg category Prisca Awiti Alcaraz, two-time World Champion Jorge Fonseca, and many other major international medallists.
The Croatian national team is represented by more than 50 athletes at the OTC, whilst approximately 40 Croatian cadets are participating in the youth training camp. The coaching staff, led by men’s national team coach Dean Ilić, Dragan Crnov and junior and cadet national team coach Matija Frlić, together with around ten national team coaches, are overseeing every detail of the training process.
Across the ten days of JudoFest, the OTC and Cadet Training Camp are joined by four additional activities scheduled from 14–18 June. Young judoka in the U14 and U16 age categories will have the opportunity to train under the guidance of former World and European Champion Braun Ákos. The programme will also feature inclusive judo, a kata seminar delivered by instructors travelling from the Kodokan in Japan, and a family training camp designed for parents and children up to the age of 10.
An additional 300 participants are expected across these activities, bringing the total number of participants at this year’s JudoFest to an impressive 1,100, once again confirming Poreč as one of the most beloved destinations on the global judo calendar.
Author: Mario Krvavac / Images: Croatian Judo Federation
Author: EJU Media