A pivotal meeting dedicated to shaping the future of judo in Latvia was held on 23 May at the Latvian Olympic Committee headquarters in Riga. Bringing together key figures from both national and European judo institutions, the session marked a significant step in the strategic development of the sport across the region, with a strong focus on preparations for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2031, set to take place in Liepāja.
Participants included:
- Raimonds Lazdins, the President of the Latvian Olympic Committee
- Raitis Keselis, the General Secretary of the Olympic Committee
- Dr Toth Laszlo, the President of the European Judo Union
- Vsevolods Zelonijs, the President; Julija Lescinska, Secretary General and Gatis Milenbergs, Vice President of the Latvian Judo Federation
At the heart of discussions was the enhancement of Latvia’s judo infrastructure and the country’s long-term positioning as a key player in regional and international judo.
EYOF 2031: Liepāja to Host Preparatory Milestones
A central theme of the meeting was the comprehensive roadmap leading to EYOF 2031. Among the key action points were:
- Inclusion of the Annual Cadet Training Camp in Liepāja in the EJU Calendar (from June 2026) – Signifying a firm commitment to youth development and international collaboration.
- Organisation of Test Events in Liepāja (1–2 years before EYOF) – Aimed at ensuring technical and logistical readiness ahead of the festival.
These steps reflect a shared ambition to not only host a successful EYOF but also to leave a lasting legacy for Latvian judo.
Institutional Recognition and Regional Integration
Another major development was the proposal for the Riga Judo Centre to be recognised as the “Olympic Judo Centre.” This designation would affirm its status as the national hub for elite and grassroots judo activity.
In line with regional growth, it was agreed to propose the Baltic and Nordic Judo Championship. The championship, which draws participation from approximately 11 countries, is set to become an annual, high-quality platform for emerging talent across the region. Its coordination with activities at the Olympic Judo Centre was also discussed.
Deepening EJU Cooperation Across Key Developmental Areas
The meeting outlined a broad and ambitious cooperation framework between the Latvian Judo Federation and the EJU, with initiatives covering:
- Olympic preparation programmes for Baltic and Nordic athletes
- International training camps featuring European experts
- High level international tournaments
- Promotion and development of kata, adapted judo and veteran judo
- Specialisation in Ne-waza
- Educational initiatives in collaboration with the IJF Academy
- The potential appointment of a European head coach or technical expert to bolster Olympic preparation
These programmes reflect an inclusive and multifaceted approach to judo development, from elite performance to community engagement. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from all parties to drive forward these initiatives with urgency and unity. As Latvia prepares to take centre stage for EYOF 2031, today’s discussions laid the groundwork for a sustainable and vibrant future for judo, not only in Latvia but across the Baltic and Nordic regions.
Author: EJU Media