CNU 2026 Judo Recap: Vercelli Hosts Two-Day University Championships
VERCELLI, Italy — The 2026 Campionati Nazionali Universitari (CNU) Judo competition concluded its two-day run at PalaPiacco on Sunday, crowning new university champions in both men’s and women’s categories. With 103 student-athletes from across Italy battling on the mats, the event highlighted the growing depth of Italy’s university-level judo talent, culminating in dramatic finals and standout performances in the 70kg men’s division.
Verified Results: Who Won in Vercelli?
The most closely watched category, the men’s 70kg division, produced a clear winner: Stefano Manuela Ronquillo Veintimilla claimed gold after a decisive match, with Leonardo Buono securing silver and Dumitru Hasan and Fabrizio Sainas earning bronze medals. The results were confirmed by the Federazione Italiana Judo e Lotta (FIJLKAM).
- Men’s 70kg Gold: Stefano Manuela Ronquillo Veintimilla
- Silver: Leonardo Buono
- Bronze: Dumitru Hasan, Fabrizio Sainas
- Total Competitors: 103 student-athletes
- Venue: PalaPiacco, Vercelli
- Dates: May 23–24, 2026
Why This Matters: The Rise of University-Level Judo
The CNU represents Italy’s premier university judo competition, serving as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to transition to national and international circuits. With events held across multiple weight classes, the tournament provides a platform for emerging talents to test themselves against peers from universities nationwide.
For athletes like Veintimilla, who claimed gold in the 70kg division, the victory adds significant momentum ahead of potential national team selection processes. The event also serves as a talent scout opportunity for FIJLKAM coaches evaluating prospects for future Olympic and World Championship campaigns.
Key Moments: Dramatic Finals and Technical Masterclasses
The 70kg men’s final between Veintimilla and Buono was particularly compelling, with both athletes demonstrating precise kumi-kata (grip control) and explosive uchi-mata (inner thigh) throws. Veintimilla’s victory was sealed in the final minute after a contentious waza-ari decision, sparking applause from the crowd.
In the women’s categories, several athletes delivered standout performances, though exact results for other weight classes were not yet available at publication. The event’s technical precision was underscored by the use of precise calculagraphs—high-accuracy timing devices—ensuring fair and transparent judging.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
- What is the CNU?
- The Campionati Nazionali Universitari (National University Championships) is Italy’s premier university-level sports competition, organized annually by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee).
- How are winners determined?
- Matches follow standard IJF (International Judo Federation) rules, with victories decided by ippon, waza-ari, or yuko scoring. In case of ties, sudden-death extensions are used.
- Can international students compete?
- Yes, provided they are enrolled in an Italian university and meet FIJLKAM’s eligibility criteria.
- Where can I watch highlights?
- Official highlights will be released by FIJLKAM on their social media channels (Instagram, YouTube).
Did you witness any standout performances at PalaPiacco? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag us on social media with #CNU2026Judo. For official updates, follow FIJLKAM.
