Portimão Builds Momentum for the 2026 European Veterans Judo Championships

Portimão and the European Veterans Judo Championships were the focus this week as the European Judo Union carried out an official inspection visit in Portugal. The message from that visit was clear: preparations for the 2026 event are moving in the right direction.

EJU representatives travelled to the Algarve to assess the progress being made ahead of one of the union’s traditionally best-attended competitions. Alessandro Comi, EJU Sport Director, and Tibor Janity, Head of Event Management and Broadcast, led the delegation during the visit.

Their review pointed to strong progress for the championship, which is scheduled for 22–25 October 2026. For veteran judoka across Europe, that is an encouraging sign with the countdown now feeling very real.

A major continental event is never simple to organise, especially when the timeline is tight. According to the source, the Portuguese Judo Federation has taken on that challenge with commitment and efficiency from the start, helping to move the project forward at a solid pace.

A key part of that work is being driven by an experienced leadership group. Catarina Rodrigues, Sergiu Oleinic and Carlos Ferreira were highlighted as central figures in the operational preparation behind the championships.

There is also a wider team effort behind the scenes. The local organising structure includes Judo Clube de Portimão, led by Joaquim Batista, and that brings useful experience after the successful delivery of the Junior European Cup in recent years.

The inspection visit left a strongly positive impression.

The venue itself is another important piece of the puzzle. During the visit, Portimão Arena was confirmed as a site with strong potential for an event of this scale, with the capacity, flexibility and operational setup needed to welcome Europe’s veteran judo community.

Beyond the competition area, Portimão offers a setting that could make the trip special for many participants. The Algarve is known for its tourism appeal and long active season, and organisers see that as a chance to give athletes and delegations more than just days on the tatami.

The source notes that local organisers are already working with tourism partners and businesses to develop dedicated packages and special conditions for participants. That approach reflects a broader idea around this event: bringing together sport, travel and the social spirit that has always been part of veteran judo.

Portuguese Judo Federation president Joaquim Sérgio Pina also welcomed the opportunity to host Europe’s veteran judoka in Portimão. In his message, he described the championships as more than a sporting event, stressing values such as respect, friendship, perseverance and self-improvement.

That feeling matters. Veteran judo has always carried a unique energy, where competition meets community and long experience meets lasting passion for the sport.

For now, the biggest takeaway is simple. The foundations for the 2026 European Veterans Judo Championships are in place, cooperation appears strong across all levels, and Portimão is shaping up as a serious host city for one of Europe’s most important veteran judo events.

Portimão is no longer a distant plan. It is taking shape now.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union