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Time is flying by, and with only 15 days to go, the pressure is rising and final preparations are underway for everyone. Entries have officially closed for the European Judo Championships Seniors Podgorica 2025, with Tata OTC serving as the final gathering point before the big day. Excitement and nerves are evident in every drop of sweat, as all eyes are laser-focused on Montenegro.
Over 450 judoka are currently present in Hungary, the majority of whom are preparing for Europe’s premier event. This gathering provides a valuable opportunity to assess their progress in the final weeks leading up to the championships. Among them is 32-year-old Toma Nikiforov (BEL), who is preparing for his 13th European Championships. The Belgian judoka has had the privilege of standing on every step of the podium, and as such, his ambitions are broad and multifaceted.
“Wow 13th, I did not realise that… To be honest, I feel tired and physically worn out but I still find a lot of joy in fighting, both in tournaments and randori. It is the preparation before and the recovery after that are really tough. Still, I truly enjoy it. I don’t know how much longer I will continue but this is probably one of my last European Championships. Shifting weight category and moving up to the +100kg was the best decision I have made. I probably should have done it earlier, maybe right after the Tokyo Olympics but when you feel good in a category, you don’t want to take the risk of changing.
“That said, my life has definitely changed, no more diets, no more cutting weight. I enjoy life more outside of judo now, and the people around me can see the difference too. You know, when you are constantly cutting weight, it affects your mood, you become a bit… different. So yes, this change has been very positive and of course it came with some work. Now I focus on building more power, so I spent a lot of time in the gym. Fortunately, I am genetically lucky, I gain weight quickly and my strength increased quite fast too. I am still not that heavy, around 118kg and I just fought a guy who weighed 165kg. So I could still put on a few more kilos to really match that. However, it is important I don’t lose my speed. These guys are incredibly strong. So it is about gaining power while maintaining speed.
“My ambitions for the Europeans at this stage, I just want to do the best I can. My parents, my family, and my kids will be there, it is the first time my children will see me compete, so that is a huge motivation. I want to make them proud. I will take it one fight at a time, enjoy the moment and give it my all. It is also exciting to land at a new location, Montenegro. I have not been there before but one of my best friends lives there and I heard good things about it so after the Europeans, my family and I will stay for five days. So yes, I am also excited to discover a new place.”
Katryna Esposito (MLT) has recently relocated to Italy to advance her training. She is also full steam ahead with completing her final preparation. The Paris 2024 Olympian and multiply European Champion of the Small States shared more:
“I am here with some level of support of the EJU and it helps a lot. Back in Malta, we are limited in terms of the number of athletes and the level of training partners available. Hence I relocated recently and so being able to come to camps like this, and having that support is a big help. It allows us to gain valuable experience and exposure that we can’t always get at home or at our clubs. The EJU really supports us in that way. This year, there has been a great turnout too, it is a large group, which makes it even better.
“In Podgorica, like everyone else, I just want to give it my best. The goal now is to focus on the final tweaks and continue preparing in these last few weeks and then go out there and perform to the best of my ability. I have been to Montenegro before for the Games of Small States. Coming from a small state and heading into an another for the flag ship event, yes, it does feel special. Coming from a small country, it is inspiring to see other small nations organising events like this. Countries like Cyprus, for example, are achieving great results and showing what is possible. Seeing the growth of smaller nations in terms of both performance and what they can contribute to the judo community gives me hope. Hopefully, one day Malta can also host an event like this, step by step, but in any case, it is definitely inspiring.“
A strong team from the host nation, Montenegro, is also on site for the final rounds of randori. One of the country’s top athletes, Jusuf Nurković, is eager to compete on home soil, especially with the added significance of competing on his birthday and alongside his sibling.
“This is it. We are in the final stages of preparation now. There are athletes here from many different countries and even continents. It has been great, we have had a lot of strong sparring partners, which is exactly what we need for good preparation. We are in good shape and this camp is giving us the last push we need. I think we will be ready.
“We are really happy because three of us from our club will be representing our country at the European Championships, two in the individual and one in the mixed-team event. It is even more special that the three of us are from the same family. That is a really proud moment and I hope we will give our best on the day. We are very excited! There is definitely some pressure but we will face it head-on. Hopefully, everything will go in our favour.”
Last but not least, Hungary’s Pupp Réka. In 2024, she secured a bronze medal at the Senior European Championships. The humble 28-year-old has set no specific targets as she completes the final stretch of her preparation in high spirits.
“The preparation for the Europeans has been mixed, honestly. Unfortunately, I picked up a small injury in Paris, but I would say I am okay now. I am trying to recover quickly and hope everything comes together in time for the Europeans. The last two competitions didn’t quite click for me, I hadn’t competed since the Olympics, so it takes a bit of time to get back into rhythm. Thought, I believe by the time the Europeans arrive, I will feel more secure and mentally ready. I am not naming any specific goal, obviously, everyone wants to win, but I want to fight well. If my body and mind are in sync, then anything is possible.
“Honestly, right now, I don’t feel any pressure at all and I think that is a good thing, it is not buzzing in my head yet. Right now, it is all about training and that is where I am keeping my focus. Having the final preparation camp on my doorstep definitely makes things easier. I can just get in the car and be here in an hour and a half. It is not like when you spend half a day travelling, then try to train, it is never the same. You are more tired, a bit grumpier. So I think this timing is really smart. We don’t need to go anywhere and whoever planned this, they timed it perfectly. It fits really well with the Europeans. We will still have a solid week or two afterward for fine-tuning, plus next week is still pretty full.
“At this present time, I feel good in myself and I really hope it stays that way. If you would asked me on Thursday, I might have said something different (she laughs) but you caught me at a good time.”
European Judo Championships Seniors Podgorica 2025 – Official Outlines
Author: Szandra Szogedi