Alicante, Spain – Daniela Cidoncha of Judo Club Salamanca will enter the Spanish Cadete Judo Championships in Palma de Mallorca on April 17th as a seeded competitor, following a strong performance at the Supercopa de España de Judo held in Alicante this past weekend. The competition, which concluded on March 8th, 2026, drew over 1,200 athletes from across Spain, as well as international competitors from France, Portugal, Ireland, the United States and Ukraine.
Cidoncha secured a bronze medal at the Supercopa, falling only to a Balearic Islands judoka in the semi-final round. This result solidifies her position among the top eight ranked judokas nationally in her weight class, automatically granting her seeded status in the upcoming championship draw. The Supercopa de España de Judo in Alicante served as the final event in the national circuit, setting the stage for the Cadete Championships.
Judo Club Salamanca officials highlighted Cidoncha’s consistent performance throughout the season. She previously earned a silver medal at the Supercopa de España in Asturias, and added bronze medals from the Supercopa events in Cantabria and Alicante, as well as another bronze at the Copa de España “A” in Catalonia. This consistent success demonstrates a clear upward trajectory for the young athlete.
“Her regular performance throughout the season has been remarkable,” a club spokesperson said. “Daniela has shown a dedication and skill level that places her among the best in Spain.”
The upcoming Spanish Cadete Judo Championships represent a significant opportunity for Cidoncha. With a seeded position secured, she’ll avoid facing the highest-ranked competitors in the early rounds, potentially easing her path to the medal rounds. The club believes that if Cidoncha performs to her full potential, she is capable of contending for a championship title.
The Supercopa de España de Judo in Alicante wasn’t just a showcase for individual talent; it also provided a substantial economic boost to the region. According to officials, the event generated an estimated economic impact of nearly one million euros, attracting approximately 3,500 visitors to Alicante. The tournament was also live-streamed, extending its reach to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Judo Club Salamanca has additional competitions on its schedule. Luisa Hernández will compete at the first International Junior Judo Tournament “Ciudad de Valladolid” on March 21st, and Mario de Pedro will participate in the Supercopa de España Junior in Tomelloso on April 11th. Hernández will compete in the -63Kg category, while de Pedro will compete in the -81Kg category.
The success of athletes like Daniela Cidoncha underscores the growing strength of judo programs across Spain. The Supercopa de España de Judo, and events like it, are crucial for developing the next generation of judo stars. The event in Alicante, held at the Centro de Tecnificación Pedro Ferrándiz, provided a high-level competitive environment for young athletes to test their skills and gain valuable experience.
Isabel Fernández, a former world champion and Olympic gold medalist, and the organizer of the tournament, expressed her pride in seeing the development of young judokas. “It’s a reward to see what one has sown germinate among the youngest,” Fernández said, reflecting on her commitment to fostering the sport’s growth. [2]
The Spanish Judo Federation continues to invest in grassroots programs and national competitions, aiming to build on the success seen in Alicante and Palma de Mallorca. The Cadete Championships in Palma will be a key event in identifying and nurturing future talent for the national team.
What’s Next: Daniela Cidoncha will prepare for the Spanish Cadete Judo Championships in Palma de Mallorca on April 17th. Further details about the event, including the full schedule and bracket, will be available on the Spanish Judo Federation website.
What are your thoughts on the rising stars in Spanish Judo? Share your predictions for the upcoming championships in the comments below!
