Montenegro will host the European Senior Judo Championships from April 23 to 27, 2025, and for the first time will be the organizer of such a prestigious sporting event, the Montenegrin Judo Federation announced at an event organized on this occasion.
"This is the first time in history that Montenegro has hosted such a prestigious sports competition, which represents the greatest recognition not only for our judo sport, but also for Montenegrin sport in general. Organizing the European Judo Championship brings a huge honor, but also a responsibility - not only to present our sport at the highest level, but also to show that Montenegro is ready for events of this magnitude," said the President of the Judo Federation of Montenegro, Jovica Rečević.
This championship, as he pointed out, will put Montenegro on the map of European and world sports, bringing benefits not only to judo, but also to tourism, the economy and the promotion of Podgorica as a regional sports center.
"We are especially proud that this event is being held in the year when the Judo Federation of Montenegro celebrates its 50th anniversary. This championship will be the crowning achievement of our jubilee, the result of many years of work, dedication and vision of all of us who have dedicated our lives to the development of judo in Montenegro," said Rečević at the event, which presented the jubilee logo as well as a promotional video related to the European Senior Championships.
The President of the Medical Commission of the Judo Federation of Montenegro, Dr. Suad Šabanović, said that judo is important not only for physical but also for mental health.
"Judo develops discipline, strengthens the body, but also the spirit, and represents one of the best ways to prevent injuries, strengthen immunity and maintain vitality. The European Championship that we are organizing will be an opportunity to promote these values, but also to present Montenegro as a strong host of such a sporting spectacle," said Šabanović, adding that practicing judo after the age of 6 is also recommended by UNICEF.
Coach Ilija Vukotić said, answering questions from journalists, that the competitors are hardworking, hard-working and motivated, and that they will have even more motivation to prove themselves in front of the home audience. So far, 9 judokas have qualified, and he expects at least two more to qualify for the competition by the start of the championship.
"We expect a strong championship, events like this will bring together the cream of judo. Many will seek entry into the upcoming Olympic cycles and points through this competition, so there will be tough and strong competition," said Vukotić, adding that for some of our competitors this will be their debut appearance.
Rečević thanked the Government of Montenegro and the relevant ministries - sports and youth, as well as finance - for their support.
He also said that the realization of the European Senior Championship would not be possible without the support of our partners, businessmen, volunteers and, of course, our athletes who will represent us worthily. The President of the Judo Federation also expressed his gratitude to the general media sponsor - RTCG, as well as to other media outlets that follow and promote judo.
Those present were also greeted by judokas Jovana Peković and Anto Dubeta, who expressed their satisfaction that the competition was being organized in Podgorica.
"Judo taught me to never give up, and that every effort pays off in the end. Anyone who plays sports knows how important support is – thank you to everyone who stands by us and believes in our national team," said Peković.
Dubeta said that he wants all competitors, in addition to fighting for victory, to leave here with the feeling that they were among friends, in a pleasant and warm environment, and to take the most beautiful memories from Montenegro.
Messages of support were sent by the vice-presidents of the European Judo Union Katarina Rodríguez and Kristina Pekola, as well as Olympic world and European champion Hijadat Hidarov, as well as famous Montenegrin athletes tennis player Danka Kovinić and football player Stevan Jovetić.
"So, April in Podgorica, the biggest event in the sports world... We invite all citizens to come and support the best judokas in Europe, to be part of this historic sports spectacle together," said Rečević.
Bonus video:
