Azerbaijani
Bosnian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Estonian
Finnish
French
Georgian
German
Greek
Hebrew
Hungarian
Italian
Japanese
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Spanish
Swedish
Turkish
Ukrainian
A spirited and historic press conference marked the official start of the Senior European Judo Championships 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro. With the sun-soaked Montenegrin capital buzzing with excitement, members of the media gathered in force to share stories and meet the stars of European judo.
The press conference featured an impressive lineup of guests:
- Dr. Toth László, President of the European Judo Union
- Mrs. Catarina Rodrigues, Vice President of the European Judo Union
- Mr. Jovica Rečević, President of the Montenegro Judo Federation
- Jovana Peković, proud representative of Montenegrin judo and Tokyo 2020 Olympian
- Clarisse Agbegnenou, Olympic, World, and European Champion
- Richard Trautmann, double Olympic medallist of Germany , Head Coach and Performance Director of Azerbaijan
Dr. Toth delivered a heartfelt and inspiring opening address, underlining just how monumental this event is, not just for Montenegro but for European judo as a whole:
“Three years ago, when someone suggested Montenegro could host the Senior European Championships in 2025, many didn’t believe it, and yet, here we are. This is not just a championships, it is a miracle we created together, a testament to the unity, strength and vision of the European Judo Union and the Montenegrin Judo Federation. This is the biggest sporting event Montenegro has ever hosted, and I am incredibly proud, not just of our Montenegrin colleagues but of every athlete, coach and official who brought this vision to life.”
Dr Toth went on to highlight that 47 countries are represented at the Championships, marking it as one of the strongest and most diverse editions in EJU history. The event also coincides with a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Montenegro Judo Federation, adding yet another layer of significance.
Following Dr. Toth, Mr. Jovica Rečević extended his gratitude to the EJU and his local team for their hard work and dedication in turning this ambitious project into a reality: “Thank you, Dr. Toth, and thank you to the entire EJU team for trusting Montenegro. We are honoured to welcome the judo family to Podgorica for what will be an unforgettable celebration of sport and unity.”
Jovana Peković reflected on her journey from volunteering at events in 2012 to becoming a U23 European Champion and Olympian, now preparing to shine on home soil: “When I realised that the Senior Europeans would be held here [in Montenegro], I was very happy, and I did everything I could to be prepared and to be the best version of myself. We are a small nation, but we have big hearts and we are ready to make magic this week.”
When Clarisse Agbegnenou was asked what keeps her motivated, her answer was short, firm and sweet: “My little baby. Without her, I think I would not be doing judo anymore. It is hard, but I want to show her that everything is possible, being an athlete and being a mother. Besides, I want to win my 6th title. I want to be a six-time European and six-time World Champion.”
Richard Trautmann shared his journey and goals with the Azerbaijani team, reflecting on their incredible success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: “When I first started, it wasn’t always easy, everything was different from what I was used to but we managed to become one strong team, working in the same direction with big dreams and great potential. We just needed to find the right players, give them a concept and hope, and in Paris, it paid off. The next step is to develop a women’s team as strong as the men’s.”
The conversation then shifted to gender equality in judo. Mrs. Catarina Rodrigues was asked to reflect on the EJU’s efforts in this area: “I can begin by saying this panel today is one of the results of our focus, there are three men and three women at the table. The EJU places great importance on gender equality, not just the EJU, but judo as a sport overall. The mixed-team event in the Olympic programme is another great example.”
She continued by praising the Montenegrin organisers: “Going back to what was said earlier, I must add that, indeed, three years ago, not many believed this day would come. When we first met, the Montenegrin Judo Federation had no events in the calendar. We developed European Cups together as stepping stones towards this championship. We worked side by side and the organisation always welcomed our input and collaboration. I would like to congratulate and thank them once again for hosting the highest-level event in the EJU calendar. We believe it will be a truly great event.”
The press conference concluded on a celebratory note, with an awards presentation. Clarisse Agbegnenou, Jovana Peković, and Richard Trautmann were all awarded the Paris Plaque, in recognition of their hard work, dedication and achievements in judo.
Author: Szandra Szogedi