The inaugural edition of the OTC in Belgrade is unfolding in an excellent atmosphere. More than 400 judoka from 25 countries are training on the tatami of the magnificent National Training Centre in Košutnjak, opened just before the Paris Olympic Games, located in a green oasis in the Serbian capital and the most modern sports and medical complex in this part of Europe.
On the second day of the Belgrade OTC 2025, the Vice President of the Serbian Judo Federation, Stojan Vujko, officially opened the camp and addressed the athletes and coaches:
“Dear judo friends, it is a great pleasure to welcome you all here in Serbia for the first edition of the Belgrade OTC. We are grateful that so many athletes and coaches. more than 400 from 25 countries have travelled here to take part. We have done our best to prepare the dojo for you, and on behalf of the EJU and the Serbian Judo Federation, I wish you good luck, a pleasant stay in Belgrade, and all the best from our side.”
Japanese judoka Ishihara Tatsuki, silver and bronze medallist at the World Championships, said:
“This is an excellent training camp with truly top-level fighters. Everyone wants to test themselves against me, and I think that’s great. It’s my first time in Belgrade, and I made the decision to come on my own, with support from my sponsors. I am really impressed with the city and the people. I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Veg Zsombor, a decorated Hungarian judoka, chose the Belgrade OTC because of the camp’s high quality:
“I chose to prepare at the OTC in Serbia because it’s a great opportunity to have top-level fights over five days, just before the upcoming Grand Prix in Mexico. I came to Belgrade because of the excellent judoka from around the world but also because of the Serbian judoka who are particularly interesting to me like Aleksandar Kukolj and Milan Bulaja, who won gold at the junior World Championships in Lima.”
Ivaylo Ivanov, an Olympian from Bulgaria and double silver medallist at the European Championships, is a well-known guest in Belgrade:
“This is not just an OTC for me. People in Serbia are truly hospitable and I know that well since I have been coming here since I was 15. When I come to Belgrade and Serbia, I feel like I am at home. An impressive number of competitors and great quality for the first OTC.”
Mihael Žgank, a decorated Slovenian and Turkish national team member, attended the Belgrade OTC not only as a competitor but also as a coach for the Slovenian team:
“I am really happy that this training camp was organised here in the heart of Europe in the Balkans which is very important for us. I can see that all participants are enjoying themselves, and the fighters are of exceptional quality.”
Theodoros Tselidis, bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024:
“As soon as I arrived in Serbia, I felt that warm and friendly welcome again. I love coming here. This is already my third time, and I am really satisfied because the conditions at the OTC are excellent accommodation, food, and the dojo are all top-notch.”
Aleksandra Samardžić, a decorated judoka from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is thrilled with the camp in Belgrade too:
“I am really impressed, especially considering this is the first OTC in Belgrade. I am glad such a strong training camp is so close to home. The sparring partners are excellent and that’s the most important thing when preparing for upcoming competitions.”
Elisavet Teltsidou, Greek Olympian and highly decorated judoka, is delighted with Belgrade:
“The atmosphere and sparring partners are great. For me, it’s perfect that I don’t have to waste time travelling far, one flight and I am here. I am truly happy that the OTC is being held in Belgrade.”
Milica Žabić, Serbian Olympian, is proud that Belgrade is hosting the OTC:
“Considering this is the first edition, the camp is extremely well-attended, with over 400 participants. For our judoka, cadets, juniors, and seniors, this is a great opportunity to test themselves against world-class fighters right here at home. Having taken part in many such camps before, I am proud of the conditions and organisation we have presented.”
Michaela Polleres, Austrian judoka and double Olympic medallist, is impressed with both Belgrade and the training conditions at the OTC:
“We’re training in a truly beautiful hall where we can enjoy the sunset while working out. The conditions are fantastic, and for all of us athletes, it’s important not to travel far from home while still having great conditions and quality sparring partners.”
Based on the feedback received, one thing is clear: while this is the first OTC held in Belgrade, it will undoubtedly not be the last. The camp will conclude on the 18 October 2025. Meanwhile, check out the gallery of the camp here.
Author: Serbian Judo Federation
Author: Szandra Szogedi