THE IMPACT OF OTC SUPPORT

For a few years now, the European Judo Union have supported athletes from small nations, within the hope and need to have as many member federations medal at main tournaments as attainable. It’s our function to supply judoka with equal alternatives and keep away from limitations in any respect prices. Up to now, Majlinda KELMENDI of Kosovo was a first-rate instance of how a lot outdoors help can impression the course of an athlete’ life. The Rio de Janeiro Olympic Champion made historical past for her nation and has influenced a technology, with many extra to observe.

This help has filtered down inside her personal crew to the likes of two-time Olympic medallist, and Champion, Distria KRASNIQI and Olympic Champion, Nora GJAKOVA.

In the course of the 76th EJU Atypical Congress in Budapest, President Dr Laszlo TOTH described his pleasure for this programme and now in collaboration with the Worldwide Judo Federation, extra athletes have been supported to fulfil their goals, 24 nations and 71 athletes in whole. Within the Paris Olympic Video games 2024, Tara BABULFATH (SWE), Distria KRASNIQI (KOS), Denis VIERU (MDA) and Adil OSMANOV (MDA) had been medallists on this programme. It’s believed that this help provides the smaller federations a voice and extra affect.

President Dr Laszlo TOTH defined that there can be some modifications within the coming interval,

Within the final interval, the main target was solely on the seniors, going ahead, we’ll begin this help at cadet stage. From 2025 we can be focusing out help programme on the youthful generations together with juniors and U23 athletes. This help is for the small nations and to assist construct these athletes, it has resulted in Olympic outcomes however we additionally take a look at participation. The aim is to have at the least 45 nations particpating within the European Championships, not solely half of the member federations however we need to encourage full participation. 

In 2025 the OTC record will enhance to 10, with the addition of Papendal within the Netherlands. The total record of OTC in 2025 is as follows; Mittersill (AUT), Herstal (BEL), Nymburk (CZE), Tata (HUN), Porec (CRO), Benidorm (ESP), Samorin (SVK), Belgrade (SRB), Rome (ITA) and Papendal (NED).

Writer: Thea Cowen

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