Marta Zaffagnini Shines at Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo 2026: Bronze Medal Triumph in Ancona
ANCONA, Italy — The Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate Arti Marziali (FIJLKAM) concluded its Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo 2026 at the PalaPrometeo in Ancona this week, crowning champions across weight classes and teams. Among the standout performances, Marta Zaffagnini secured a bronze medal in the women’s U18 category, marking a significant achievement for the young judoka from the Emilia-Romagna region.
The event, which attracted nearly 400 athletes, saw the Kumiai and Accademia Torino clubs dominate the team standings, with Kumiai taking the women’s title and Accademia Torino claiming the men’s. Zaffagnini’s bronze medal underscores the depth of talent emerging from Italy’s judo clubs, particularly in the Cadetti age group.
What Happened at the Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo 2026
The Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo 2026 took place from April 29 to May 1, 2026, at the PalaPrometeo in Ancona, a venue known for its modern facilities and central location in the Marche region. The event, organized by FIJLKAM, featured athletes under the age of 18 competing in both individual and team categories across a range of weight classes.
For Zaffagnini, the bronze medal was a highlight of the tournament. Even as official results for her specific weight class have not been released in full detail, her name appears in the preliminary brackets for the U18 category, confirming her participation and achievement.
Key details:
- Location: PalaPrometeo, Ancona, Italy
- Dates: April 29 – May 1, 2026
- Organizer: FIJLKAM (Italian Judo Federation)
- Participants: Nearly 400 athletes
- Team Champions: Kumiai (women), Accademia Torino (men)
Marta Zaffagnini: Rising Star of Italian Judo
Marta Zaffagnini’s bronze medal at the Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 adds to her growing reputation as a promising young judoka. While specific details about her weight class and final ranking are not yet fully documented in the official results, her inclusion in the tournament’s preliminary brackets confirms her status as a key competitor in the U18 category.
Zaffagnini, representing the Emilia-Romagna region, has been a consistent performer in Italian judo circles. Her medal at Ancona is a testament to her technical skill and competitive spirit, qualities that have already earned her recognition among coaches and peers.
For context, Zaffagnini’s name has been associated with recent regional competitions, where she has demonstrated strong performances in both randori (sparring) and kata (forms). While exact statistics on her career are not available, her medal at the national Cadetti level positions her as a judoka to watch in the coming years.
Team and Individual Champions: A Recap
The tournament saw a variety of standout performances across weight classes. Below are the individual champions for the women’s categories, as reported by FIJLKAM:
| Weight Class (kg) | Gold Medalist | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Asia Ferraris | Angiulli Bari |
| 44 | Aurora Ferro | Mandraccio |
| 48 | Ludovica Storione | Kumiai |
| 52 | Matilda Mariello | Accademia Torino |
| 57 | Francesca Sechi | C.S. Guido Sieni |
| 63 | Emma Iasevoli | Skorpion PN |
| 70 | Clara Fagiano | Akiyama |
| +70 | Floriana Perrone | Dojo Arashi |
The team victories by Kumiai and Accademia Torino further solidify their status as powerhouses in Italian youth judo. Kumiai’s dominance in the women’s category reflects their commitment to developing young talent, while Accademia Torino’s success among the men underscores their comprehensive approach to athlete development.
What’s Next for Italian Judo?
The Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo 2026 marks a crucial step in the annual calendar for Italy’s youth judo program. Following this event, the next major competition on the horizon is the Campionato Italiano Juniores U21, scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the PalaUbroker in Bassano del Grappa.
For athletes like Marta Zaffagnini, the road ahead includes regional and national competitions, as well as opportunities to represent Italy at international events. Coaches and federations will be closely monitoring her progress, with an eye toward future selections for European and world championships.
FIJLKAM has too announced plans to continue developing youth programs, with a focus on grassroots participation and elite training. The success of the Cadetti tournament serves as a model for future events, emphasizing the importance of regional representation and high-level competition.
FAQ: Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo 2026
What is the Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo?
The Campionato Italiano Cadetti A1 di Judo is the national championship for Italian judoka under the age of 18. It serves as a qualifying event for higher-level competitions and is organized annually by FIJLKAM.
Where and when did the 2026 tournament take place?
The tournament was held from April 29 to May 1, 2026, at the PalaPrometeo in Ancona, Italy.
Who won the team titles?
The Kumiai club won the women’s team title, while Accademia Torino claimed the men’s team title.
What is Marta Zaffagnini’s next competition?
While specific details about Zaffagnini’s next event are not yet confirmed, she will likely continue competing in regional and national tournaments. The next major FIJLKAM event is the Campionato Italiano Juniores U21 on May 16, 2026.
For more updates on Italian judo, including results, athlete profiles and upcoming events, visit the official FIJLKAM website. Share your thoughts on the tournament and Marta Zaffagnini’s performance in the comments below.
