“The numbers prove us right,” says EJU President László TOTH. 563 judoka from 27 nations took part in the Cadet European Cup in Györ (HUN). ‘We organised a youth tournament for the first time in 2017. This year was the sixth time the tournament has been held, and each time we have exceeded the numbers from the previous year. We were again able to report a new record number of participants this year.”’”
Hungary does not enjoy the unofficial reputation of an event organising world champion for nothing: this year, the Referee & Coaches Seminar was held in Györ in January, the European Open for Seniors in February and now, at the beginning of November, the European Cadet Cup. The Junior European Cup in Paks in July can already look back on a 30-year tradition. Tóth: “Like all major judo nations, the Hungarian federation aims to be able to offer international tournaments in all age groups. Our athletes, young and old, should have the chance to show themselves in front of their own audience.”
Next year, from 13 to 20 June, the third World Championships in eight years (after 2017 and 2021) will take place in Budapest. “We have very strong young talent who will be competing at the Under-23 European Championships in Poland next week. The majority of these young talents will also be competing at next year’s World Championships. I expect a lot from them,” says László Tóth. “I’m known for always being an optimist. In 2017, at the World Championship premiere, we had three fifth places. In 2021, we won one bronze medal (Krisztian Toth/-90). Why shouldn’t we win at least two medals in 2025? I firmly believe in it.”
Back to the European Youth Cup in Györ, László Tóth’s home town: “I went to school across the road from the hall and did my running training here as an athlete. I always like coming back to Györ.” With 90 participants, the host team not only had the largest contingent in terms of quantity, but was also the clear number one in terms of quality. In the end, they came first in the medal table with 12 medals, five of which were gold. The 50 persons-strong organisation team received praise from all sides. “We have a super product, otherwise 563 judoka from 27 nations would not come to the Olympic Centre in Györ.” Needless to say, the tournament will of course take place again next year…
Author: EJU Media