Czech judo turns 90 in Teplice with one eye on its next generation

The Czech Judo Federation did more than celebrate a birthday in Teplice on 25 April. Its 90th anniversary became a night to revisit the sport’s long path in the country and to point toward what comes next. Around 120 athletes, coaches, officials and guests from the national and international judo community gathered at the Krušnohorské Theatre.

EJU Secretary General Dr Martin Poiger attended the ceremony and delivered congratulations on behalf of Dr László Tóth and the wider European judo family. That gave the evening a strong continental feel, fitting for a federation that has helped shape judo in Europe over many decades.

The programme was built around six historical periods. It traced the federation’s development from the years 1936 to 1955, through the arrival of the first Olympian, then world championship medals, and later the first women’s medal at the World Championships between 1993 and 2011. The years from 2012 to 2021 were defined above all by the achievements of Lukáš Krpálek.

The anniversary was also a statement about where Czech judo wants to go next.

Poiger paid special tribute to Krpálek’s rare success across two weight categories, with European, World and Olympic titles forming one of the biggest chapters in Czech judo history. He also highlighted Vladimír Bárta for his work in the evolution of modern judo and recognised Michal Vachun for his long service within the European Judo Union.

Several honours added another emotional layer to the evening. Jiří Sosna, the 1988 European Champion and a federation board member, received the EJU Judo Hero Award. Vladimír Bárta and Pavel Volek were presented with the EJU Order of Merit, while Renata Zachová was named Czechia’s Judoka of the Year.

The ceremony also included major Dan promotions. Petr Lacina received 7th Dan, and Lukáš Krpálek, Jaromír Ježek and Pavel Petřikov were among those awarded 6th Dan. The message was clear: Czech judo was celebrating its history, but it was also showing the depth that keeps it relevant on the European stage.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union