Czech Judo Chooses Stability as Pavel Volek Maps Out the Next Phase

Czech judo is set to move forward with familiar leadership after Pavel Volek was re-elected as President of the Czech Judo Federation. The result keeps continuity at the center of the federation at a time when the sport is trying to build on its existing structure and competitive progress.

Volek described the new mandate as both an honour and a responsibility. His message was clear: the federation’s future depends on three linked priorities, Organisation, Membership, and International Success. In his view, those areas cannot be separated, because a strong grassroots base supports athletes, and strong organisation keeps the entire system standing.

For Czech judo, this vote was about more than one role.

A major part of the plan is to give more power and support to the regions rather than concentrating everything in Prague. Volek said the federation sees itself as a service provider for regional bodies and clubs, with the goal of helping them through independent budgets and paid coaches in the regions.

Competition management is also part of the next phase. Volek pointed to the modernisation of the Technical Commission and the full digitalisation of tournament management as priorities. He also highlighted referees as essential to the sport’s health, with a focus on recruiting and educating young officials to maintain strong tournament standards.

International links remain another important piece of the strategy. The federation wants to continue building its relationships with neighboring federations, the EJU, and the IJF. Hosting events such as European Opens, Junior and Cadet European Cups, Hopes tournaments, and international camps is seen as a key way to bring high-level judo directly to Czech athletes.

Membership growth is another big target. According to Volek, Czech judo is close to the 21,000-member mark, and the aim is not only to hold that number but to grow it through recruitment in schools and local clubs. He also stressed the need for educated and motivated coaches, along with internships, seminars, and continued coaching support in Sports Centers across every region.

There was also a clear commitment to specific parts of the judo community, including women’s and girls’ judo as well as veteran judo. That matters not only for performance, but also for keeping the community and traditions of the sport alive.

On the performance side, one of the biggest concerns is the difficult step from junior to senior level. Volek called the Junior National Team a central priority in this cycle, describing it as the key bridge where future senior medal contenders are formed. He also said support for women’s judo will continue, pointing to historic European Championship titles as proof that the investment has already produced results.

The junior-to-senior jump may define the next chapter.

Looking further ahead, the federation wants to give the Olympic Team the best possible conditions in preparation for Los Angeles 2028. At the end of this new term, Volek said he wants the judo community to see a federation that has modernised while remaining loyal to judo’s core values.

That is the balance Czech judo is now chasing: stronger regions, a bigger base, and athletes with better support on the road to major international medals. For now, the message from this election is simple. Czech judo has chosen stability, and with it, a long-term plan built from the ground up.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union