For many years now, the European Judo Union have supported athletes from small nations, in the hope and desire to have as many member federations medal at major tournaments as possible. It is our role to provide judoka with equal opportunities and avoid limitations at all costs. In the past, Majlinda KELMENDI of Kosovo was a prime example of how much outside support can impact the course of an athlete’ life. The Rio de Janeiro Olympic Champion made history for her nation and has influenced a generation, with many more to follow.
This support has filtered down within her own team to the likes of two-time Olympic medallist, and Champion, Distria KRASNIQI and Olympic Champion, Nora GJAKOVA.
During the 76th EJU Ordinary Congress in Budapest, President Dr Laszlo TOTH described his pride for this programme and now in collaboration with the International Judo Federation, more athletes have been supported to fulfil their dreams, 24 nations and 71 athletes in total. In the Paris Olympic Games 2024, Tara BABULFATH (SWE), Distria KRASNIQI (KOS), Denis VIERU (MDA) and Adil OSMANOV (MDA) were medallists in this programme. It is believed that this support gives the smaller federations a voice and more influence.
President Dr Laszlo TOTH explained that there will be some changes in the coming period,
In the last period, the focus was only on the seniors, going forward, we will start this support at cadet level. From 2025 we will be focusing out support programme on the younger generations including juniors and U23 athletes. This support is for the small nations and to help build these athletes, it has resulted in Olympic results but we also look at participation. The goal is to have at least 45 countries particpating in the European Championships, not only half of the member federations but we want to encourage full participation.
In 2025 the OTC list will increase to 10, with the addition of Papendal in the Netherlands. The full list of OTC in 2025 is as follows; Mittersill (AUT), Herstal (BEL), Nymburk (CZE), Tata (HUN), Porec (CRO), Benidorm (ESP), Samorin (SVK), Belgrade (SRB), Rome (ITA) and Papendal (NED).
Author: Thea Cowen