From April 23 to 27, Podgorica will become the center of European and global judo by hosting the European Championships, showcasing a roster of 25 Olympic medalists and 30 world medalists, as highlighted by the president of the Judo Federation, Jovica Rečević.

He noted the honor of organizing such a significant sporting event, emphasizing it as a chance for Montenegro to prove its capability in hosting major international competitions.

“The significance and caliber of this competition is underscored by the participation of 48 countries with over 420 competitors, including more than 25 Olympic, 30 world, and 50 European medalists from senior categories. We have the elite of European and world judo here,” Rečević remarked at a press conference.

He pointed out that this event’s organization would not have been possible without the support from the government, the Ministries of Finance and Sports, along with several sponsors.

“We faced numerous challenges; for instance, we had to secure 650 hotel rooms to accommodate all participants and guests. The sports infrastructure also posed a challenge, as the Morača Hall and Bemaks Arena were barely meeting the requirements for hosting the European Championships. We had to innovate significantly,” Rečević explained.

The championship kicks off on Wednesday, with preliminary matches starting at 10 AM and the final programs set for 4 PM each day.

The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at 3 PM.

“Entry to the Morača Hall will be free throughout the championship,” Rečević confirmed.

Head coach Ilija Vukotic stated that Montenegrin judo will feature nine competitors, noting that Anto Dubreta had to withdraw due to an injury just before the championship.

“We will also witness the debut of our mixed team. This competition promises to be unexpectedly tough, as the first European championships following the Olympic Games often have a lighter roster due to team rejuvenation. This time, we’re facing strong contenders. Judo is a sport where everyone has a fair shot – the favorites and those considered underdogs. The local audience will provide additional motivation for our athletes to push their limits,” Vukotic said.

The Montenegrin judo team includes Petar Radović and Jusuf Nurković (under 66 kg), Jahja Nurković (under 73 kg), Nikola and Nebojša Gardašević (under 81 kg), Novo Raičević (under 90 kg), Slobodan Vukić (over 100 kg), Jovana Peković (under 78 kg), and Jovana Mrvaljević (over 78 kg).

In the mixed team competition, Tamara Gardašević, Aiša Nurković (under 57 kg), and Nataša Jeftić (under 70 kg) have registered.

“They are all living their dream, training hard, and are in peak condition. Having participated in several Olympic camps, they are ready – they just need to realize those dreams,” Vukotic added.

Montenegrin national team member Jovana Peković expressed feeling slight pressure that transforms into positive energy as the championship date approaches.

“There are 17 competitors in my category, including Olympic, world, and European medalists. I, too, am among them, being the European champion for juniors. I’ve previously shown that I can compete with them at younger age levels. We’ve had numerous matches against each other, and I assure you I will be competitive when the time comes,” Peković stated.

She emphasized her thorough preparation and how competing in Podgorica serves as a significant motivation for her.

Novo Raičević, who was a finalist in the recent European Cup, shared his confidence in his readiness.

“I have trained harder than ever before and feel more prepared. My ambitions are high, although I am aware of the competition. There are 32 fighters in my category, including three who medaled in Paris. I know these opponents well; I fought against them at the Tatabánya Olympic camp and remained competitive,” Raičević explained.

It’s worth noting that Montenegro hasn’t secured a medal at the European Senior Championships in almost four decades, yet it can boast having produced a world champion and vice-champion in its judo history.

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