Győr Ready to Spotlight Europe’s Next Judo Generation

Győr will host the European Judo Hopes festival from 29 to 31 May, with U14 and U16 athletes stepping onto the tatami for one of the key youth judo events on the European calendar. The three-day programme at the Olympic Sports Park combines competition with technical learning, putting development at the centre of the weekend.

The event brings together rising talents from across Europe, but it is not built around medals alone. Alongside the contests, young judoka and their coaches will take part in seminars and technical sessions led by major names in the sport, creating a setting that feels just as much about growth as results.

Two standout figures will guide those sessions in Győr. Misato Nakamura of Japan, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, three-time world champion and three-time Asian champion, is set to share her experience with the next generation. Joining her is Portugal’s Telma Monteiro, an Olympic bronze medallist, six-time European champion and five-time world medallist, giving the event a strong European presence through one of the continent’s most decorated judoka.

Telma Monteiro adds star power and European pedigree to the weekend in Győr.

The schedule begins on Friday evening after accreditation, with a 90-minute seminar starting at 17:00. Competition then continues through the weekend, alongside more technical sessions, keeping athletes close to both high-level match experience and direct learning opportunities.

Győr is no stranger to major judo moments. The Hungarian city has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including national championships, ranking tournaments and school finals, as well as international competitions such as the European Open in 2024, the U23 European Championships in 2018, the Cadet European Championships in 2002 and the European Youth Olympic Festival in 2017. Since 2017, it has also welcomed the Cadet European Cup every year.

The European Judo Hopes series itself is still young, having been launched in 2024 to support age groups that previously did not have a continental circuit or major international championships. That mission has now become even more important as Hungary increases its focus on the U14 and U16 levels.

According to the Hungarian Judo Association, the country has adjusted its officially recognised youth categories to better match systems used in neighbouring nations and to create a smoother path into cadet competition. The European Judo Union has also decided that from 2026 onward, the Judo Hopes series will officially be organised for U14 and U16 athletes.

Hungary has already been investing more energy into these groups through professional development days, seminars and training camps. Sports Director Cirjenics Miklós said the federation works with 40 to 60 athletes in the U14 and U16 national teams during the year, while larger camps and development days can involve well over 100 participants, including club coaches from around the country.

That growing structure now includes two national coaches for the new age groups. Horváth László, who has previously worked with the junior national team, and Csernoviczki Éva, Olympic and world bronze medallist as well as two-time European champion, will both be present in Győr this weekend.

Last year’s event in Győr, then held for U13 and U15 athletes, drew almost 300 judoka from 19 nations. Hungary led the medal table on home soil, underlining how seriously the host nation is taking youth development as Europe’s next generation prepares for its moment.

In Győr, the future of European judo gets both competition and elite guidance.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union