Intern. Judo News

• Fabio Basile: Why becoming a father is better than Olympic gold

  Italy’s Fabio Basile never imagined that any moment could rival, let alone surpass, the feeling of becoming Olympic champion. That all changed on November 1, 2025, when Basile and his partner Nica welcomed their son, Aiden Mike, into the world, a moment he describes as life-defining. “The second he was born was so much better […]

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• A Choice That Matters: IPPONGEAR Joins the Adapted Judo Movement

  There are moments in sport when results, rankings and medals quietly step aside, allowing something far greater to take centre stage. Moments that remind us why sport was never only about victory but about values. About people. About purpose. Social responsibility is not an obligation, it is a choice. A choice that requires courage, consistency […]

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• Statement Made whilst Tbilisi Sets the Tone for April

  As the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 drew to a close, it was unmistakably clear that Europe’s judoka have laid down a formidable marker ahead of the Senior European Judo Championships Tbilisi 2026, set to take place from 16–19 April. Building on the momentum of the opening two days, the closing chapter delivered in style, sharp, […]

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• A Different Flag for Every Gold

  Author: Latvian Judo Federation The Riga Senior European Cup 2026 came to a compelling close on Sunday, 22 March at the Rīgas Nacionālā Sporta Manēža, as the final day of action delivered a truly international spread of champions, each gold medal claimed by a different nation. Here is what some of the standout winners had […]

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• Day Two: A Day of Authority

  On the second day of the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026, the script flipped. After a European sweep of the women’s podiums on day one, Saturday, 21 March, saw Europe’s men take centre stage, dominating the final block with authority. In total, the continent secured 13 of the 16 medals on offer. Here is your European […]

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• Rising to the Occasion

  Author: Latvian Judo Federation The European Judo Tour returned to the Latvian capital on Saturday, 21 March, as the Riga Senior European Cup 2026 opened at the Rīgas Nacionālā Sporta Manēža. Though plenty was on offer, some of the standout performances belonged to Nina Cvjetko of Croatia, Narek Vardanian of Sweden and Florian Boecker of […]

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• More Than a Date. Daniel’s Story: “One day I am going to be a coach.”

  World Down Syndrome Day, observed on 21 March, carries a powerful symbolism: the triplication of the 21st chromosome. Officially recognised by the United Nations in 2012, it stands as a reminder to raise awareness, champion inclusion and recognise the achievements of people with Down syndrome. For the European Judo Union, this is not a message […]

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• Near-Perfect: 9/10 on Day One

  The IJF World Tour has arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia, offering European athletes an early glimpse of what awaits in just one month, when the Senior European Championships 2026 take centre stage in the Olympic Sports Palace. For now, however, the focus remains firmly on the present and Europe had every reason to celebrate an exceptional […]

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• No Pause, Just Progress

  Riga is ready for action once again this weekend, 21–22 March, as it welcomes 254 judoka from 27 nations, both from Europe and overseas for their annual Senior European Cup. The city, which announced less than 24 hours ago that it will host the inaugural Ne-waza European Championships later this year, continues to prove itself […]

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• Ne-waza European Judo Championships Riga 2026

  The European Judo Union is pleased to announce that the Ne-waza European Judo Championships 2026 will take place in August in Riga, Latvia. Exact date to be announced shortly. This adjustment follows the unforeseen decision of the French Judo Federation to return the organisation rights for the Veteran European Championships 2026, where the Ne-waza competition […]

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