Croatia’s judo weekend is set: Dubrovnik hosts 359 athletes for the European Senior Cup

Dubrovnik already knows how to pull people in—this time, it’s judo doing the work. On 28–29 March, the European Senior Cup 2026 lands in the “Gospino Polje” hall, bringing together 359 judoka from 33 countries. Beyond the postcard scenery, the real attraction is simple: tough fights and European Cup ranking points that matter.

Dubrovnik isn’t just a backdrop—it’s about to feel like a real judo capital.

Croatia has been building momentum as an organiser, moving from the cadet spotlight in Poreč straight into a senior-level weekend on the Adriatic. Mateo Semiz, assistant coach of the Croatian Judo Federation, underlines that the goal is bigger than running matches on time. From accommodation to catering and the overall environment, the organisers want athletes, coaches and referees to feel supported—and calm enough to perform.

There’s extra emotion for the local community, too. Semiz also coaches the women’s national team and Judo Club Dubrovnik 1966, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. He points to the long-term work behind every result, and to the wider group of people around the athletes who help turn potential into progress.

One name carries particular weight in Dubrovnik: Iva Oberan (-63 kg), the city’s leading judoka and current world number three. Semiz has just returned from Georgia, where Oberan won a Grand Slam bronze medal. In his view, the key is her steady improvement from event to event—especially her growing confidence and composure when the pressure spikes.

Home fans will have plenty of reasons to show up, with 62 Croatian judoka on the entry list. Türkiye (39) and Hungary (31) arrive with the next biggest teams, adding even more depth. Hungary’s Szegedi Daniel (-73 kg) is one of the standouts, a 2024 European U23 Championships silver medallist and fifth at the 2025 Senior European Championships, as well as a Grand Prix medallist. Croatia also fields proven names like 2017 European bronze medallist Dominik Družeta (-90 kg), plus Robert Klačar (-73 kg), 2023 EYOF champion Jana Cvjetko (-70 kg) and Petrunjela Pavić (-78 kg). Giacomo Gamba (ITA/-90 kg) is also among the competitors.

The event will be streamed live on JudoTV.

Source: EJU_News