Road to the Podium: Lomas de Zamora Judokas Set for National Apertura in San Juan

The stakes for Argentina’s rising judo talent hit a fever pitch this weekend as the sporting world turns its attention to San Juan. The Estadio Aldo Cantoni is preparing to host the 2026 Torneo Nacional Apertura, a massive gathering that serves as a critical gateway for athletes eyeing international representation. Among the contenders are six young judokas from Lomas de Zamora, who are traveling to San Juan to compete in a national tournament that will test their resolve and their rankings.

For these athletes, the trip is more than just a competition; it is the culmination of a grueling year of preparation. The Apertura is one of the most significant events on the national calendar because it awards the ranking points necessary to determine who will represent Argentina in upcoming international championships. With over 1,500 competitors arriving from every corner of the country—from Jujuy in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south—the field is as diverse as it is competitive.

The Grind: Lomas de Zamora’s Path to San Juan

Representing the province of Buenos Aires, the Lomas de Zamora delegation is led by athletes who have treated their training like a full-time profession. Malena Rumiano, 17, enters the tournament with significant momentum. Competing in the graduated and cadet categories up to 52 kilos, Rumiano previously secured a championship and a second-place finish at an open tournament in Chubut earlier this year.

Rumiano’s preparation has been relentless. To reach the required level, she has maintained a strict regimen from Monday to Saturday, training five hours a day. Her routine is split between one hour of gym work and four hours of technical judo, rotating her training between the Lomas de Zamora municipality, the Budokan Institute in the capital, and the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CeNARD).

Joining her is 17-year-old Carolina Villalba, who brings the prestige of being a National Champion from Santiago del Estero in the cadet graduated category. For Villalba, the tournament is a reflection of a disciplined lifestyle. She has focused her training on both mental and physical fortitude throughout the week, stating her goal is to secure first place in both of her categories.

The delegation trains under the expert supervision of coaches Gabriel Fernández and Víctor Hugo Andrade, ensuring that the technical execution of the Lomas athletes is sharp heading into the high-pressure environment of the Cantoni.

Tournament Logistics and Infrastructure

Transforming the Estadio Aldo Cantoni into a judo epicenter requires significant organizational precision. Luis Meritello, president of the San Juan Federation of Judo, has confirmed that the venue will feature four dedicated combat areas on the playing field and a specialized pre-warming sector to ensure athletes are physically ready before stepping onto the mat.

To maintain the highest standards of officiating, 24 specialized referees from across Argentina have been brought in to oversee the matches. The event is organized by the San Juan Federation in coordination with the Government of San Juan through the Secretaría de Deporte. Local pride will be on the line as the San Juan Federation fields its own delegation of 70 judocas.

For the fans, the event is designed to be accessible. Entry is free and open to the public, though organizers recommend arriving early due to the expected influx of families accompanying the 1,500+ athletes.

The Competition Roadmap: April 10–12

The tournament is structured to separate competitors by age, rank, and experience over three intensive days. All divisions will feature both female and male branches with specific weight categories.

• Friday, April 10: Action begins at 8:30 local time. The opening day focuses on the youth pipeline, featuring the Juveniles Sub 13, Cadetes Sub 18, and Juniors Sub 21 categories.
• Saturday, April 11: Often considered the “main event,” Saturday starts at 8:30. The day is dedicated to Juveniles Sub 15 and the prestigious Seniors (black belts). A formal inaugural ceremony will take place at 16:00, followed by the Senior finals starting at 17:00 to determine the podium finishers. Activity concludes at 20:00.
• Sunday, April 12: The final day is reserved for the Kyus, including both graduated adults and novices. Matches run from 8:30 until approximately 18:00.

Why the Apertura Matters

In the world of competitive judo, the Apertura is not merely a trophy hunt. It is a strategic necessity. Because the tournament provides the points that define the national ranking, a strong performance in San Juan can be the difference between staying domestic or earning a ticket to compete against powerhouses like Japan, France, and Brazil.

For athletes like Rumiano and Villalba, the objective is twofold: to validate the thousands of hours spent in the gym and the dojo, and to climb the rankings to ensure they remain in the conversation for national team selection.

As the delegations arrive in San Juan, the atmosphere is one of focused intensity. The young judokas from Lomas de Zamora are among many who view this weekend as a pivotal moment in their sporting careers.

The first matches are scheduled to begin this Friday at 8:30 local time. Stay tuned for updates on the results and ranking shifts following the Senior finals on Saturday evening.

Do you think the youth pipeline in Argentina is ready to challenge the global powers of judo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.