Around 200 judokas gathered at the Pazo Paco Paz in Ourense on April 18, 2026, for the second jornada of the 42nd Copa Diputación de Judo, marking one of the province’s key developmental competitions for young athletes.
The event, organized by the Delegación Ourensana de Judo and sponsored by the Diputación de Ourense’s sports department, featured competitors from local clubs and schools including Cambeo, Inmaculada, and Baños de Molgas. Participants ranged from the youngest Chupetín division — for athletes under 18 kilos — through to juvenile categories, with an open mixed-gender division too included.
Competition began at 10:30 a.m. Local time and continued throughout the day on the central mat of the Pazo Paco Paz venue, located in the Finca Sevilla area of Ourense. The facility, a regular hub for judo and other sports in the city, hosted the provincial-level tournament as part of its ongoing role in supporting grassroots athletic development.
Now in its 42nd edition, the Copa Diputación de Judo remains a cornerstone of judo training in Galicia, designed to introduce young athletes to official competition while emphasizing technique, sportsmanship, and progressive skill-building. The tournament follows a three-journey points system, with results from each stage contributing to final standings.
The next round is scheduled for May 30, 2026, continuing the seasonal circuit that began earlier in March with opening bouts held between March 7 and 9, followed by additional activity on March 9. Throughout the competition, family members and friends have attended bouts to support competitors, contributing to a community-focused atmosphere.
Officials describe the Copa Diputación as a critical entry point for most judokas in the Ourense province, serving as their first experience in ranked competition. Its structure prioritizes learning and progression over pure results, aligning with its mission as a developmental platform rather than an elite championship.
The long-running event traces its origins to initiatives led by judo master Manuel Montero, an 8th Dan holder whose early work helped establish structured youth competition in the region. Over decades, the cup has maintained its focus on accessibility, with free or nominally priced admission for spectators to encourage public engagement.
As the circuit moves toward its conclusion in late May, athletes and coaches will look ahead to the final jornada, where accumulated points will determine category winners and reinforce the tournament’s role in shaping the next generation of Galician judoka.
For updates on the Copa Diputación de Judo and other regional sports events, follow official communications from the Delegación Ourensana de Judo and the Diputación de Ourense.
