Sarajevo Set for a New Inclusive Judo Moment in 2026

Sarajevo will welcome the Special Olympics Judo Open Sarajevo 2026 on 25 and 26 September, creating a significant new moment for inclusive Judo. Organised by Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina with the International Judo Federation, the Open will be part of the wider World Judo Championships Veterans and Kata programme.

Around 130 athletes from 20 countries are expected to take to the tatami. They will represent all five Special Olympics ability levels, making this the first international Special Olympics Judo event developed with the IJF to include every level while being integrated into an IJF world-level championship programme.

The event builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Special Olympics International and the IJF in 2025. That agreement confirmed a shared aim to expand opportunities for judoka with intellectual disabilities and strengthen inclusion across the sport.

The Sarajevo Open will bring all five Special Olympics ability levels into an IJF world-level setting.

Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President and Managing Director Sven Albrecht described Sarajevo as a strong example of the organisation's commitment to quality sporting opportunities for athletes of all abilities. He also highlighted the work of the team in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the importance of partners who share the values of inclusion and sportsmanship.

The IJF sees the event as closely connected to Judo's long-standing principles. IJF President Marius L. Vizer pointed to Special Olympics' history of removing barriers to achievement, health and enjoyment, and said the federation is proud to support this sporting pathway.

Sarajevo's role carries added meaning for the hosts. Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina will work with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Judo Federation and local partners to welcome more than 240 athletes, coaches, officials and delegation members.

For Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina, this will be its first major international Special Olympics competition since the Southeast European Friendship Games in 2004. National Director Kada Delić-Selimović said hosting the Open is an honour and a chance to bring the movement's message back to the country on a major scale.

The focus in September will be on performance, commitment and development for every judoka involved. By placing athletes with intellectual disabilities within a world championship environment, Sarajevo 2026 will underline a simple message for the Judo community: everyone belongs on the tatami.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation