Qualifiers Secure Spots in National Finals

The following athletes earned their places in the Trofeo CONI 2026 finals:

• Lorenzo Clocchiatti (Judo Kuroki) – 50kg category
• Martino Losi (Accademia Muggia) – 55kg category
• Giacomo Donato (Sport Team Udine) – 60kg category
• Greta Ruggeri (Judo Kuroki) – 52kg category
• Nino Akhalbedashvili (DLF Yama Arashi Udine) – 57kg category

The qualifiers were held under the auspices of the Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate e Arti Marziali (FIJLKAM), Italy’s national governing body for judo, karate, and martial arts. These athletes will now represent Friuli Venezia Giulia in the national finals, where they’ll compete against qualifiers from other Italian regions.

A New Era for Regional Judo: Coppa Regione’s Safety-Focused Format

Alongside the qualifiers, the event introduced a new Coppa Regione competition featuring a modified ruleset designed to enhance athlete safety. As explained by FIJLKAM Judo Sector President Andrea Piccinini, the competition excludes shime waza (strangulation techniques), kansetsu waza (joint locks), and sutemi waza (sacrifice throws) to reduce injury risks.

“The Coppa Regione was created with a clear objective: to give athletes who might not find space in higher-level competitions a chance to participate safely. I believe when people understand the value of this initiative, it will become a truly appreciated circuit, possibly shared with other regions.”

Piccinini highlighted the regional judo landscape’s challenges, noting the lack of private trophies offering mid-level competition opportunities. “If someone believes they have an athlete capable of higher performance, they must consider traveling to find appropriate competition,” he stated.

Regional Esordienti Competition Draws 112 Young Athletes

While the senior qualifiers took center stage, the event also featured the Trofeo Regionale Esordienti A and B competitions, which attracted 112 athletes aged U13 and U15. These youth competitions serve as crucial developmental platforms for Italy’s next generation of judoka.

Results from both the U13 and U15 categories are available in PDF format through the FIJLKAM FVG news section, providing detailed performance data for regional coaches and athletes.

What’s Next: October Finals in Bari

The qualified athletes will now prepare for the Trofeo CONI 2026 national finals, scheduled for October in Bari. This annual event serves as one of Italy’s most prestigious judo competitions, offering athletes the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on a national stage.

For athletes who may not qualify for higher-level international competitions, the Trofeo CONI provides valuable experience and serves as a stepping stone toward national team selection. The regional qualifiers in Maniago represent the first major test for these athletes as they prepare for the national finals.

Understanding the Trofeo CONI: Italy’s Judo Calendar

The Trofeo CONI is an annual competition organized by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) in collaboration with FIJLKAM. It serves multiple purposes:

• National selection platform: Athletes who perform well often earn consideration for higher-level competitions
• Development opportunity: Provides competition experience for athletes not yet at international level
• Regional representation: Allows athletes from different Italian regions to compete against each other

The 2026 edition follows the standard format where regional qualifiers determine the national finalists. The October finals in Bari will feature athletes from all Italian regions who have qualified through similar regional events held throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

• The Trofeo CONI 2026 qualifiers in Maniago secured five athletes’ spots in the October national finals
• A new Coppa Regione format was introduced with safety modifications to protect athletes
• 112 young athletes competed in the regional esordienti competitions alongside the senior qualifiers
• The national finals will be held in Bari in October, representing the culmination of Italy’s regional judo season
• This event serves as crucial development platform for Italy’s judo community at all levels