Sterkrade, Germany – The JC 66 Bottrop demonstrated its dominance in youth judo, securing the championship title at the Holten-Cup on Sunday, March 9, 2026. The annual invitational and district championship tournament, hosted by Judo-Team Holten Oberhausen, saw approximately 180 young judoka, aged 11 to 14, compete at the Günther-Stolz-Halle at Freiherr-vom-Stein-Gymnasium.
The JC 66 Bottrop, a consistently successful club in the region, fielded a substantial team of 27 athletes, ultimately claiming the coveted cup for the second consecutive year. Judo-Team Holten, unfortunately, was limited to just five participants this year and did not feature in the team standings.
Despite the team’s overall performance, individual athletes from Judo-Team Holten achieved notable results. Lian Suster earned a bronze medal in the U13 category after winning four matches, with her only defeat coming against the eventual tournament winner. Johanna Lübbe placed fifth in the U13 female division. Ariane Lübbe, competing in the U15 category, received a gold medal after a hard-fought friendship match following a bye in her weight class, the decision going to the judges. Hanna Fischer likewise secured a fifth-place finish in the U15 female division, while Malte Käsler, in the U15 male division, finished fifth after winning his initial bout but being forced to withdraw due to injury.
The Holten-Cup serves as an important early-season event for judo clubs in the Rhein-Ruhr and Münster districts, providing a competitive platform for young athletes to showcase their skills. The tournament’s format includes both individual and team competitions, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participating clubs.
The success of the JC 66 Bottrop highlights the club’s strong training program and the dedication of its athletes. According to their website, JC 66 Bottrop boasts a highly qualified coaching staff, including one Diplomtrainer and several trainers with A, B, and C licenses. The club also provides extensive facilities, including 410 square meters of permanent judo mats and a dedicated strength training area.
Beyond the competition, the event underscores the growing popularity of judo among youth in the region. Judo-Team Holten offers programs for children as young as one year old, alongside beginner groups for various age levels. The sport’s emphasis on discipline, respect, and physical fitness continues to attract young athletes and their families.
Looking ahead, Judo-Team Holten will be focusing on their upcoming second Bundesliga match against the reserves of SUA Witten on Saturday, March 14th, at 4:00 PM local time (CET) in Witten. JTH head coach Ralf Najdowski acknowledged the challenge, stating that Witten is one of the strongest teams in the league, but expressed optimism about his team’s preparation. Najdowski highlighted the addition of Artemi Lihovoj, who previously competed for Holtener in the Oberliga, and the return of brothers Jason and Janson Wong, who recently achieved success at the Danish Open, securing first and third place respectively.
The addition of Lihovoj and the Wong brothers are expected to bolster JTH’s competitive edge as they navigate the challenges of the second Bundesliga season. The team’s focus will be on building on their existing strengths and fostering a cohesive team dynamic to achieve success throughout the season.
The JC 66 Bottrop’s victory at the Holten-Cup serves as a testament to their commitment to excellence in judo, while Judo-Team Holten’s continued development of young athletes promises a bright future for the sport in the region. Fans can follow Judo-Team Holten’s progress on their Facebook page and stay updated on the latest news and results.
The next challenge for Judo-Team Holten is their away match against SUA Witten II on March 14th. Fans interested in supporting the team can find more information on the Judo-Team Holten website or social media channels. What are your thoughts on the rising talent in youth judo? Share your comments below!
