Asian Judokas Aim for Big Break at Berlin’s Major U18 Tournament

Two young judokas from Neubrandenburg, Germany, are set to compete at the Berlin “Millennium Team” Cadet European Cup this weekend, facing top international competition in one of Europe’s most significant U18 judo events.

Jane Köppen (under 48 kg) and Emilia Blank (under 57 kg) from Asia-Sport Neubrandenburg will join approximately 800 athletes from 36 nations at the Sportforum Berlin venue on April 25-26, 2026. The tournament is part of the European Judo Union’s tour and represents a major opportunity for international experience.

According to their coach Matthias Helm, participation in this prestigious event is an honor for the young athletes, though they face considerable challenges as members of the youngest U18 age group competing against older and more experienced opponents.

Both athletes earned their spots through strong performances at regional and north German championships earlier in the spring, demonstrating the competitive pathway that led to their qualification for this international stage.

The weight classes for Köppen and Blank are particularly competitive, with around 50 competitors in each division, adding to the challenge of standing out in such a crowded field.

Tournament organizer Thomas Jüttner, president of the Berlin Judo Association, emphasized the event’s scale and organization, noting that despite ongoing construction work affecting venue facilities, the competition will proceed with well-established procedures to ensure smooth operations.

The event expects over 700 judo talents, making it one of the largest European Cups in the U18 age category, with Germany fielding the largest delegation of 149 athletes.

Although the young Neubrandenburg athletes focus on gaining valuable international experience, the broader German team aims for medal success, with organizers hoping to hear the German national anthem frequently throughout the competition.

Beyond the main competition, younger athletes from Asia-Sport Neubrandenburg will as well participate in the Open Children and Youth Sports Games in Brühl, competing in age groups U9 through U13 to showcase their developing skills.

As the tournament approaches, final preparations are underway at the Sportforum Berlin venue, with organizers confident that the necessary conditions for a successful competition have been established, leaving it to the athletes to perform on the mat.

The Berlin “Millennium Team” Cadet European Cup continues its tradition as a key event in the European Judo Union’s calendar, providing a platform for young judokas to test themselves against international peers and gain crucial competitive experience.