It has been 313 days since the curtain fell on the 2025 Senior European Judo Championships in Podgorica. At the time, many questioned whether the Montenegrin capital could host an event of such scale and prestige. Those doubts were quickly silenced. Podgorica delivered a memorable championship and, in recognition of its outstanding organisation, was later awarded the Best EJU Event of the Year 2025. Now, the momentum continues.
The success of 2025 was never intended to be a single highlight for the Montenegrin judo community. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. In 2026, Podgorica will once again welcome Europe’s rising stars when the Junior European Championships arrive this September, further cementing Montenegro’s place on the international judo map.
Before that major milestone, however, the focus turns to the tatami this weekend. The Podgorica Senior European Cup will take place from 7–8 March, bringing together a strong field of 277 judoka representing 26 countries. The event provides an important competitive platform for athletes on the European circuit while continuing to strengthen Podgorica’s role as a host city for international judo.
President of the Montenegrin Judo Federation, Jovica Rečević, reflected on the legacy of last year’s championships and the road ahead:
“Hosting the Senior European Championships in 2025 had a tremendous impact on the development of judo in Montenegro. It inspired our athletes, strengthened our organisational capacities and raised the visibility of our sport across the country. That experience is now helping us prepare for the Junior European Championships this year and we are determined to continue building on that momentum.”
With hundreds of athletes ready to take to the mat and the next major continental event on the horizon, Podgorica once again stands at the centre of European judo.
Fans can follow all the action live via JudoTV.com.
Author: Szandra Szogedi