Lignano’s junior showdown grows: Japan women join the start list for the first time

Lignano Sabbiadoro is set for a packed weekend of junior judo as the European Junior Cup returns for its 15th edition. The headline twist this year is a new name on the delegation list: for the first time, the Japanese women’s national team will compete in Lignano, adding extra edge to an event that already attracts top European talent.

As of 8 April, organisers have registered 638 athletes from 29 nations. That puts the tournament on course to beat the European Junior Cup circuit participation record of 604, set at the 2018 Lignano edition. Alongside a strong European presence, delegations are also coming from Mexico and multiple Asian countries, including India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

A junior cup with this many entries doesn’t feel “small” anymore.

Local officials are proud of what the event has become. Andrea Piccinini, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region’s judo division, pointed to Japan’s participation as a sign of the competition’s calibre and credited the organising club, Kuroki Tarcento, for mobilising a large and united volunteer group. Italy’s federation, FIJLKAM, also welcomed the teams and highlighted the experience of the organising committee, the hospitality tradition, and the quality of the infrastructure.

For European fans, there’s another familiar figure in the spotlight: Olympian and 2023 junior world champion Veronica Toniolo will act as event ambassador. She underlined Lignano’s value as an early-season test and encouraged athletes to turn every match into something useful for the future—whether it ends with medals or lessons.

The weekend also ties into tradition with the 43rd edition of the Tarcento Trophy. Beyond the 14 individual titles, five team prizes will be awarded, and the 4th Trevisan Prize will honour the memory of referee Luigi Alberto Trevisan.

Competition runs on Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April, followed by a training camp from 13 to 15 April. All action will be streamed live on JudoTV.

Source: EJU_News