Familiar surroundings. New rules.
One of the great highlights of the European Judo Union calendar is without a doubt the European Club Championships – Champions League. With the clubs able to recruit top athletes from around the world to create the ultimate fantasy team, we are graced with some ultimate contests. This year however, we are in for a change.
In previous years, the clubs have been able to enter an all-womens and all-mens team, but in 2024, the Champions League Mixed Team event will be introduced, following the Olympic format. Each national federation can enter up to six teams, but only one per club. Also in this event, a maximum of four teams will be seeded according to the European Clubs team ranking list, using a combination of men and women ranking.
Montpellier has already played host to the Senior European Judo Championships on multiple occasions, so we know we can expect a knowledgable and fanatic crowd in the South of France, of course coming to support their home clubs including Paris Saint Germain, home to many of the Olympic athletes in the country, as well as rising stars of the future.
In the 2023 edition in Belgrade, the crowds were sensational and represented the Serbian culture for sport, and with their support, they saw men’s OJK Beograd win the men’s event, and Red Star taking bronze in spectacular fashion, as well as the women’s Paris Saint Germain take the gold. Of course this year will be a whole new event with the combination of men and women.
It is without question that this event will be a jewel in the crown of the EJU calendar of 2024 and we look forward to welcoming fans and top athletes for this exciting celebration!
Author: Thea Cowen