Misiones Brothers Craft History: René and Héctor Kletke Set for Inclusive Judo World Championship
LINDESBERG, Sweden — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
In a moment that transcends sport, two brothers from Oberá, Argentina, are preparing to represent their country—and the global movement for inclusive athletics—on the world stage. René and Héctor Kletke, pioneers of inclusive judo in the northeastern province of Misiones, met with Governor Hugo Passalacqua this week to share their journey ahead of the 2026 Inclusive Judo World Championship, set to accept place in Lindesberg, Sweden, from August 5–9.
The meeting, held at the Casa de Gobierno in Posadas, was more than a ceremonial send-off. It was a celebration of resilience, discipline and the transformative power of sport. For René Kletke, 28, the stakes are particularly high: he is the first athlete with Down syndrome from Misiones to qualify for a world championship in judo, and one of only a handful of Argentines to earn a spot on the national inclusive judo team.
From Oberá to the World Stage
René and Héctor, both black belts in judo, have trained under coach Raúl Paredes for over a decade. Their journey began in Oberá, a city of 70,000 in the heart of Misiones, where they found not just a sport, but a community. Judo, with its emphasis on discipline, respect, and mutual growth, became a vehicle for personal development—and a platform for advocacy.
“Trayectorias como las de los hermanos Kletke dan una lección de amor, de fraternidad, de empatía y de respeto,” Governor Passalacqua said during the meeting, according to official transcripts. “Todos somos iguales, todos somos personas y todos merecemos una oportunidad.” His words echoed the core philosophy of inclusive judo: that sport is a universal language, one that breaks barriers and builds bridges.
For René, the path to Sweden has been years in the making. After competing in national tournaments across Argentina, he earned his place on the national team following a standout performance at the 2025 South American Inclusive Judo Championships in Santiago, Chile. His qualification for the World Championship in Sweden marks a historic milestone—not just for Misiones, but for Argentine inclusive sports.
What Is Inclusive Judo?
Inclusive judo is a growing movement within the martial art that adapts training, competition, and rules to ensure athletes of all abilities can participate. Unlike traditional judo, which is divided by weight and gender, inclusive judo often groups athletes by functional ability, allowing for fair and meaningful competition. The sport emphasizes technique, strategy, and mutual respect over physical dominance, making it uniquely accessible.
The World Inclusive Judo Championship, organized by the International Judo Federation (IJF) in partnership with the Special Olympics and other adaptive sports bodies, is the pinnacle of the discipline. The 2026 edition in Lindesberg will feature over 300 athletes from 40 countries, competing in categories that include visual impairment, intellectual disability, and physical disability.
René will compete in the intellectual disability division, where athletes with Down syndrome, autism, and other cognitive differences showcase their skills. The tournament follows modified IJF rules, with adaptations such as longer match times, simplified scoring, and a stronger emphasis on technical execution over brute strength.
The Power of Representation
The Kletke brothers’ story is about more than medals. It’s about visibility. In a region where opportunities for athletes with disabilities are often limited by infrastructure, funding, and societal attitudes, their success challenges stereotypes and inspires others to pursue their passions.
“El deporte es una herramienta de inclusión, formación y desarrollo personal,” Governor Passalacqua said, underscoring the role of judo in the brothers’ lives. Their mother, Dora Pauluk, who accompanied them to the meeting, has been a driving force behind their journey, advocating for resources and support within the local community.
Héctor, who does not have a disability, has been a constant presence in René’s training, serving as both a sparring partner and a mentor. Their bond exemplifies the spirit of judo—mutual growth through shared struggle. “We train together, we compete together, and we support each other,” Héctor said in a 2025 interview with El Territorio, a local newspaper. “Judo has taught us that everyone has something to offer.”
The Road to Sweden
The World Championship in Lindesberg will be René’s first international tournament at this level. While the focus is on participation and personal growth, the competitive stakes are real. Argentina’s inclusive judo team, which includes athletes from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe, has been training intensively at the CeNARD (National High-Performance Sports Center) in Buenos Aires, with support from the Argentine Judo Federation and the Ministry of Sports.
For René, the preparation has been as much about mental readiness as physical. “He’s been working on his throws, his grip, and his endurance,” coach Raúl Paredes told Radio Cataratas earlier this month. “But the biggest challenge is managing the pressure of representing his country. We’re focusing on keeping him calm and confident.”
The tournament format in Sweden will feature a round-robin group stage followed by direct elimination. Athletes will compete in a series of 3-minute matches, with the top performers advancing to the medal rounds. René’s category will include athletes from Brazil, Spain, Japan, and the United States, among others—countries where inclusive judo has seen significant growth in recent years.
Why This Matters
The Kletke brothers’ story is a microcosm of a broader shift in global sports. Inclusive athletics are no longer a niche; they are a movement. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) reports that participation in adaptive sports has grown by over 30% in the last decade, with judo among the fastest-growing disciplines. In Argentina, the push for inclusion has gained momentum, with initiatives like the National Plan for Inclusive Sports providing funding and resources for athletes with disabilities.
Yet challenges remain. In Misiones, as in much of Latin America, athletes with disabilities often face barriers to training facilities, specialized coaching, and travel funding. The Kletkes’ journey has been made possible through a patchwork of local sponsorships, community fundraisers, and support from the provincial government. Their trip to Sweden, for example, was partially funded by a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $15,000 USD in just two months.
“This isn’t just about René or Héctor,” said María Eugenia Álvarez, president of the Misiones Judo Federation. “It’s about showing what’s possible when a community comes together. These boys are breaking down walls, and we’re all better for it.”
What’s Next
The Kletke brothers will depart for Sweden in late July, with a final training camp in Buenos Aires before the tournament. For René, the goal is clear: to compete with honor, learn from the experience, and return home with stories to share. For Héctor, it’s about supporting his brother and continuing to advocate for inclusive sports in Misiones.
Their journey will be followed closely by local media, with live updates expected from the tournament via the Argentine Judo Federation’s official website and social media channels. Governor Passalacqua has also pledged to host a welcome-home event for the brothers upon their return, celebrating their achievements and the values they represent.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Qualification: René Kletke is the first athlete with Down syndrome from Misiones to qualify for a judo world championship.
- Inclusive Judo: The sport adapts rules and training to ensure athletes of all abilities can compete fairly, emphasizing technique and mutual respect.
- Global Movement: The 2026 Inclusive Judo World Championship in Sweden will feature over 300 athletes from 40 countries.
- Community Support: The Kletkes’ journey has been made possible through local sponsorships, crowdfunding, and government backing.
- Brotherly Bond: Héctor Kletke has been a key part of René’s training, embodying the judo principle of mutual growth.
- Next Steps: The brothers will depart for Sweden in late July, with the tournament running from August 5–9.
How to Follow
For live updates from the 2026 Inclusive Judo World Championship, follow these verified sources:
As René and Héctor prepare to step onto the mat in Sweden, their story serves as a reminder that sport is about more than competition—it’s about connection, growth, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine.
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