Ancona to Host Major Italian Youth Judo Championship

ANCONA, Italy – The PalaPrometeo Estra in Ancona is set to host the Italian Cadets A1 Judo Championships this Saturday, May 2nd, bringing together the nation’s top under-18 judo competitors. Nearly 400 athletes have registered for the event, marking a significant moment for youth judo in Italy.

The competition will feature the best 20 athletes in each of the nine men’s weight categories and eight women’s weight categories, along with athletes who automatically qualified as medalists from the previous year’s competition. The event is expected to draw close to 1,000 attendees, including athletes, coaches, families, and judo enthusiasts.

The Judo Club Camerano, led by Marco Montanari, is responsible for organizing the championships. Montanari, a veteran of 40 years in judo, expressed his excitement about hosting the event, stating, “Venire a parlare di judo è un’emozione unica. Non ho memoria di qualcosa del genere” (translated: “Coming to talk about judo is a unique emotion. I have no memory of anything like it”). The club’s involvement stems from the success of the Memorial Angelo Montanari, a tournament for young athletes that has grown to include approximately 1,400 children over two editions.

This year’s decision to hold the championships in Ancona represents a change from the previous location in Ostia, reflecting the Fijlkam national organization’s confidence in the Judo Club Camerano’s ability to host a high-level event. The championships aren’t just about crowning a national champion; they serve as a crucial selection event for athletes hoping to represent Italy at upcoming European and World championships.

Ancona’s Deputy Mayor and Sports Assessor, Giovanni Zinni, highlighted the importance of the event for the city, comparing it to “bringing the Champions League final to Ancona.” He too emphasized the opportunity for the local judo community to connect with the national scene, encouraging residents to attend and support the young athletes.

The Italian Cadets A1 Judo Championships represent a key stepping stone for these young athletes, providing a platform to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams on the international stage. For many, this weekend’s competition will be a defining moment in their judo careers. The event is a testament to the growing popularity and development of judo within Italy, and the dedication of clubs like Judo Club Camerano in fostering the next generation of champions.

The competition is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 2nd, at the PalaPrometeo Estra. Fans and supporters are encouraged to attend and witness the future of Italian judo firsthand.

What’s Next: The Fijlkam national organization will announce the athletes selected for the European and World championships following a review of performances at the Ancona championships. Updates and further information can be found on the Fijlkam website.