For the first time in history, North Macedonia has welcomed a European Judo Championship of any age category, marking a milestone in the nation’s sporting evolution. The Millennium Team European Cadet Judo Championships 2025, held at the Jane Sandanski Sports Centre in Skopje, has not only placed the country firmly on the international judo map, but also demonstrated its growing capacity as a credible host of major sporting events.
At the heart of this pivotal moment stands Daniel Dimevski, President of the North Macedonia Olympic Committee. His office, located within the very same complex as the competition venue, offers a unique vantage point, both literally and symbolically, for reflecting on this historic achievement. In a short interview, President Dimevski shared his vision.
This event is not only a first for North Macedonia, but it’s also taking place right next to your office. How remarkable is that for you personally, and for the country?
Dimevski:
“My delight, and indeed the delight of our entire nation, is immeasurable. This European Cadet Judo Championship is not just an event; it’s a historic milestone for North Macedonia and a profound moment of national pride. To be entrusted with hosting a European Championship for the very first time, especially in a sport as rich in discipline, respect, and tradition as judo, is the realisation of a long-held aspiration. It signifies a new level of trust that international sports federations place in our organisational capabilities and our commitment to sports development.
“Walking into the arena and seeing these young, incredibly talented judoka from across the continent compete with such passion on our soil fills me with immense pride. You can feel the energy, the focus, and the spirit of fair play. This event is a powerful inspiration for our own young people and a clear signal that North Macedonia is a rising and respected partner in the European sporting family.
“It is, as you say, truly remarkable. To have such a significant, continental championship unfolding just few steps away from my office, and more importantly, in the vibrant heart of our capital, is a constant, tangible reminder of the incredible progress we are making as a nation. The sight of international flags waving, the sound of athletes and fans in the streets, it brings our strategic goals to life in the most vivid way imaginable.
“For me personally, it is a deeply gratifying testament to years of dedicated effort from countless individuals but for North Macedonia, its significance is monumental. It’s a powerful statement to the world. It showcases our modern infrastructure and our warm hospitality, it energizes our citizens with a shared sense of purpose, and it places Skopje firmly on the map as a dynamic, capable, and welcoming sporting destination. This visibility and direct experience are invaluable assets as we look ahead to even larger endeavors.”
Q: How would you rate the sport of judo in North Macedonia?
Dimevski:
“Јudo in North Macedonia is a sport with a proud history, great potential, and a inspiring future. While it may not always capture the mainstream spotlight, it possesses a deeply dedicated community, passionate and knowledgeable coaches, and, crucially, a growing pool of talented young athletes who are beginning to make their mark. We have celebrated notable successes on the international stage at Balkan and European Cup events, which serve as proof of the talent we possess.
“More than just a sport, judo teaches invaluable life skills, discipline, respect, resilience, and strategic thinking, that are fundamental to developing well-rounded, successful individuals and strong communities. The Olympic Committee is fully committed to supporting the Judo Federation in its mission. We are focused on strengthening grassroots programs to broaden participation and simultaneously reinforcing the elite pathways that guide our most promising athletes to the Olympic stage. We see judo not just as a competitive sport, but as a powerful vehicle for positive social development across the nation.“
Q: With EYOF coming up, how important was the experience gained from hosting the Cadet European Judo Championships from an organisational point of view?
Dimevski:
“The experience gained from hosting this Cadet European Judo Championship has been absolutely critical and invaluable for our preparations for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Skopje 2025. You simply cannot overstate its importance. The EYOF is the largest and most complex multi-sport event our nation has ever organised, involving thousands of participants across numerous sports.
“This championship has served as the perfect, high-stakes dress rehearsal. It has allowed us to pressure-test our entire operational framework in a live environment. We have been able to fine-tune our logistical operations, from transport and accommodation to catering for international delegations. We’ve refined our venue management, our security protocols, and our volunteer coordination in real-time. Every detail, from the accreditation process to medical services and anti-doping procedures, has been meticulously reviewed. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to identify and resolve any potential challenges on a smaller, yet still highly significant, scale before the full magnitude of EYOF arrives. This practical, hands-on experience is empowering our teams and giving us absolute confidence in our ability to deliver a truly world-class festival of sport and friendship in 2025.”
Q: What are the future plans for judo in North Macedonia from an NOC point of view?
Dimevski:
“From the perspective of the National Olympic Committee, our future plans for judo in North Macedonia are both ambitious and realistic, built on the incredible momentum of the events we are hosting. We genuinely believe that judo can become a flagship sport for our country, consistently producing European, World, and Olympic contenders.
“Our immediate focus is on flawlessly executing the judo competitions within EYOF 2025, providing our young athletes with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete against Europe’s best on home soil. Beyond that, our long-term strategy, developed in close partnership with the Judo Federation of North Macedonia and the European Judo Union, includes establishing regional judo centers to nurture talent across the country, implementing advanced coaching certification and continuous development programs and using the success of these championships to secure increased funding, attract new participants, and build a sustainable ecosystem for the sport. The future of judo in North Macedonia is bright, and we are not just observing its journey, we are committed to being an active and driving force in its success.”
Cover Image: International Committee of the Mediterranean Games
Author: Szandra Szogedi