World Ranked #1
NAME: HIDAYAT HEYDAROV COUNTRY: AZERBAIJAN CATEGORY: -73KG WORLD RANKING POINTS: 8004 2024 was the year for Heydarov, kick starting with a European Championship win in Zagreb, he followed up by taking the World Championship title in Abu Dhabi a mere month later. With the ultimate goal of becoming Olympic Champion, some…
24 December 2024World Ranked #1
NAME: Andreja LESKI COUNTRY: SLOVENIA CATEGORY: -63kg WORLD RANKING POINTS: 6366 When you think of power, precision, and a touch of Slovenian charm wrapped into one athlete, well, you may have many names to mention. However, for this year, it would be Andreja LEŠKI, the name that effortlessly springs to mind.…
23 December 2024To all of our European Judo Family, I would like to send best wishes on behalf of the European Judo Union during this festive period and to conclude an exceptionally successful year. Not only can we celebrate the triumph of our Olympic medallists in Paris 2024, but we can be…
23 December 2024World Ranked #1
NAME: Luka MKHEIDZE COUNTRY: FRANCE CATEGORY: -60kg WORLD RANKING POINTS: 6104 In the fast-paced world of judo, 2024 will forever be remembered as the year Luka Mkheidze ascended to the throne of the -60kg category, finishing as the undisputed world number one. With a style as quick as lightning and a…
22 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
The final everyone anticipated, the star-studded line up of Paris Saint-Germain against the wilful power of Red Star Belgrade, who endured a gruelling semi final to reach the prominent position within the FDI Stadium in Montpellier, France. Up first was multiple Olympic medallist, Romane DICKO in the +70kg category for…
21 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
Following an all-French collision for the first bronze medal, the FDI Stadium welcomed teams from Georgia and Ukraine to the tatami; Golden Gori and Judo Ukraine, to decide the second bronze medal. The teams bowed, and left the tatami, leaving only their +70kg women; Sophio SOMKHISHVILI (Gori) and Ruslana BULAVINA…
21 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
In an all-French bronze medal contest, there was no surprise that the crowd instantly came alive in the final block of the European Club Championships – Champions League 2024. SGS Judo took on Judo Nice Metropole for the chance to claim bronze, and opening the head to head were the…
21 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
The semi final contests in the European Club Championships – Champions League 2024 could not have been more opposite. Paris Saint-German (PSG) were the first to secure their place in the Champions League final, completing their devastating straight set against Ukraine Judo before the first contest on the adjoining mat…
21 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
At 8am on Saturday the 21st of December, two hours before the doors of the FDI Stadium opened, avid judo fans and clubs alike were lining up at the ticket office, hoping to get a seat to watch their national heroes compete in the grand finale of the year, the…
21 December 2024Mr. Ján KRIŠANDA, a former judoka and the esteemed former president of the Slovakian Judo Federation for an impressive 16 years, continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of sports in Slovakia. Currently serving as the State Secretary for Tourism and Sports, his dedication to fostering growth and…
21 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
Concluding the year, the European Judo Union are collaborating with the French Judo Federation for one of the greatest celebrations of judo in the calendar. Once again, Montpellier will play host to a prime event, the European Club Championships – Champions League 2024. The city can also celebrate that they…
20 December 2024The Retirement of Telma Monteiro
While the judo world turns its focus to Montpellier and the battles yet to unfold, another chapter quietly closes. Telma MONTEIRO, a beacon of excellence and perseverance in judo, has recently announced her retirement. Her journey, which has inspired countless fans and athletes, now transitions into a new phase, one…
19 December 2024Digital Administrative and Training Assistant (DATA) Project
Between 18-19 December, the picturesque city of Rijeka, Croatia, welcomed partners from across Europe for the meeting of the Digital Administrative and Training Assistant (DATA) project. Against the backdrop of this vibrant city, the event laid the groundwork for an ambitious initiative designed to reshape sports management and training through…
19 December 2024ECC Champions League 2024 - Mixed Team - Montpellier, France
As the ECC Champions League 2024 prepares to captivate judo enthusiasts in Montpellier, much has been said about the competing teams. Yet, one team remains a fresh and exciting story: Team Luxembourg, represented this year by the Stroossen Judo Club. We had the opportunity to speak with club president, Tom…
19 December 2024The European Judo Union (EJU) has announced the call for nominations for the EJU FAIR PLAY AWARD 2024. The awards will recognize acts of Fair Play and sportsmanship from the year 2024. The EJU kindly invites all participants, officials, media representatives and spectators to nominate candidates for the EJU FAIR…
19 December 2024The concluding chapter of the Alice Bellandi Golden Tour unfolded between 14-15 December, wrapping up a remarkable journey that spanned Italy, connecting thousands of judo enthusiasts. Alice, the celebrated judoka, shared her heartfelt reflections on these last two events, offering a glimpse into the profound impact this tour has had…
17 December 2024Under the title, The 3rd Judo Awards was a spectacular evening celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National Judo Federation of Slovakia. The event honoured the finest judoka of 2024 and highlighted the rich history and promising future of judo in the country. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the president…
17 December 2024A Coach Perspective with Roy Schipper
It has been an exciting weekend in Istanbul, Türkiye, as the rule changes for the next cycle were announced and delivered to National Federations during the IJF Technical Seminar. For some coaches and former athletes, the changes were in fact a throwback to past times, and on a personal level…
17 December 2024