In the upcoming days, Podgorica will be at the center of attention for European and world judo as it hosts the European Senior Championship from April 23 to 27, featuring 25 Olympic and 30 world medalists among the participants.

This is a remarkable opportunity for Montenegro and the Judo Federation, who have been entrusted with the organization of such a prestigious sporting event, and they are determined to demonstrate their capability.

– The significance and caliber of this competition are underscored by the participation of 48 countries with over 420 athletes, including more than 25 Olympic, 30 world, and 50 European medalists, all of whom have competed in senior events. This represents the pinnacle of European and world judo – stated Jovica Recevic, president of the Judo Federation of Montenegro.

He also pointed out that the successful organization of this championship would not have been possible without the support of the Government, the Ministries of Finance and Sports, and various sponsors.

– We faced numerous challenges, including the need to secure 650 hotel rooms to accommodate all participants and guests. The sports facilities, particularly the “Morača” hall and the “Bemaks Arena,” were barely meeting the requirements for hosting the European Championship, which required significant improvisation – emphasized Rečević.

The championship kicks off tomorrow, with preliminary bouts starting at 10 am each competition day, followed by the finals scheduled for 4 pm. The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday at 3 pm.

– Admission to the “Morača” hall will be free throughout the championship – added Rečević.

Selector Ilija Vukotic noted that the Montenegrin judo team will comprise nine competitors, despite the withdrawal due to injury of Anto Dubreta just before the championship.

– We will also debut our mixed team. Typically, the first European Championships following the Olympic Games feature a younger composition in teams, which leads to less competitive strength. However, this year is different. Judo is an unpredictable sport where every competitor has a fair chance – both favorites and underdogs. The home crowd will provide our athletes with additional motivation to perform their best – stated Vukotic.

The Montenegrin representatives include Petar Radovic and Jusuf Nurković (up to 66 kg), Jahja Nurković (up to 73 kg), Nikola and Nebojsa Gardašević (up to 81 kg), Novo Raičević (up to 90 kg), Slobodan Vukic (over 100 kg), Jovana Pekovic (up to 78 kg) and Jovana Mrvaljević (over 78 kg).

In the mixed team competition, the following have been registered: Tamara Gardašević and Aisa Nurkovic (up to 57 kg) and Nataša Jeftić (up to 70 kg).

– They have all performed excellently in training; they are in the best shape possible… They have participated in several Olympic training camps, and now they simply need to fulfill their dreams – expressed Vukotić.

Jovana Peković, a member of the Montenegrin national team, mentioned feeling some pressure ahead of the competition.

– There are 17 competitors in my category, including several with Olympic, world, and European titles. I am among them, having been the European champion in the younger senior category. I have shown my competitiveness against them in past matches, and I am determined to do well – said Peković.

Novo Raičević, a finalist in the recent European Cup, commented on his preparedness for the championship.

– I have never trained harder or more diligently; I feel ready. My ambitions are high as I head into the competition, aware of the tough competition. There are 32 competitors in my category, including three who medaled at the Paris Games. I have trained with all of them at the Olympic camp in Tatabanja and have been competitive – Raičević stated confidently.

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