The 2024 European Cadet Judo Championships will take place at Gran Canaria Arena in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, from June 29 to July 2, according to the European Judo Union (EJU). The event will feature approximately 500 young judoka aged 15–17, competing in 14 weight categories across men’s and women’s divisions.

This marks the first time the championships have been held in Spain, with Gran Canaria Arena—home to 10,000 spectators—selected as the venue after a competitive bidding process among European hosts. The EJU confirmed the event’s schedule, noting that all matches will be streamed live via the official EJU TV platform, with select sessions broadcast on Spanish public television.

Why Gran Canaria? Key Factors Behind the Host Selection

The choice of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was influenced by several factors, according to a statement from the Royal Spanish Judo Federation (RFEDJ):

• Infrastructure: Gran Canaria Arena meets the EJU’s technical requirements, including a dedicated judo tatami surface and medical facilities.
• Logistics: The venue’s central location in the Canary Islands allows for easy access from mainland Europe, with direct flights from Madrid, Lisbon, and Paris.
• Local Support: The Canary Islands government has committed €1.2 million to event security, transportation, and promotional activities.
• Climate: With temperatures averaging 26°C (79°F) during the event, organizers expect minimal weather-related disruptions.

A spokesperson for the EJU highlighted the “strategic importance” of the championships for European judo development, stating: “This event is not just a competition—it’s a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of European champions.”

Competition Format: Rules, Weight Classes, and What to Watch

The championships will follow the standard IJF Cadet Judo Rules, with matches lasting up to five minutes (golden score extension if tied). The 14 weight categories are divided equally between men and women:

Key differences from senior judo include:

• Matches are limited to ippon (full point) or waza-ari (half point) decisions, with no penalties (shidos) awarded.
• Competitors must be born between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009.
• Team events will be held on the final day, with medallists competing in mixed-gender relays.

Note: Unlike senior championships, cadets are not ranked by the IJF, meaning this event serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2025 World Cadet Championships in South Korea.

European Teams to Watch: Early Favorites and Rising Stars

While no official rankings exist for cadets, national federations have identified potential medal contenders based on recent performances at the 2023 European Cadet Open:

One athlete to watch is 16-year-old Ana Kovačević (Croatia), who won silver at the 2023 European Cadet Championships in the -52kg category. “The competition level is higher every year,” Kovačević said in a pre-tournament interview. “We’re not just fighting for medals—we’re fighting for our futures in senior judo.”

Gran Canaria Arena: Venue Overview and Logistics

Gran Canaria Arena, opened in 2016, is a multi-purpose venue with a dedicated judo-specific tatami surface measuring 16m x 16m—larger than standard competition mats to accommodate simultaneous matches. The arena features:

• Capacity: 10,000 seats (expandable to 12,000 for finals).
• Medical Facilities: On-site physiotherapy and sports medicine teams, including IJF-certified judges.
• Accommodation: Athletes will stay at the Hotel Palmas Princess, a 20-minute drive from the arena.
• Transport: Free shuttle services will run between the hotel, arena, and Las Palmas city center.

Time Zone Note: All matches will be held in Canary Islands Time (UTC+1), which is one hour behind mainland Spain and two hours behind Central European Time. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 AM local time (09:00 UTC) on June 29.

Weather Consideration: The Canary Islands typically experience stable conditions in June, with low rainfall and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. However, organizers have prepared a backup indoor training area in case of extreme heat.

How to Follow: Official Updates and Streaming

Fans can access real-time updates and live streams through the following channels:

• Official Streaming:
  • EJU TV – All matches available with English/Spanish commentary.
  • TVG (Galician Public TV) – Select sessions in Spanish.
• Social Media:
  • @EuropeanJudo (Twitter/X) – Daily highlights and athlete interviews.
  • @europeanjudo (Instagram) – Behind-the-scenes content and medal ceremonies.
• Mobile App: The RFEDJ Judo App will provide live results, athlete profiles, and interactive schedules.

Note: While no official ticket sales are required for the general public, media accreditation is available through the RFEDJ press office for journalists covering the event.

What’s Next: Road to the 2025 World Cadet Championships

The European Cadet Championships serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2025 World Cadet Judo Championships in Busan, South Korea, scheduled for October 2025. Top performers at this event will earn direct invitations, with additional spots allocated based on continental rankings.

According to the International Judo Federation (IJF), the following criteria will determine qualification:

• Top 3 in each weight class at the European Championships.
• Top 2 teams per nation in the mixed relay event.
• Wildcard spots for nations with no qualifiers but strong performances in regional events.

For athletes, this event is a critical step toward senior judo. “Winning here doesn’t just give you a medal—it gives you a ticket to the world stage,” said Coach Ivan Petrov (Bulgaria), who will lead his team’s -66kg division. “The difference between a European medal and a world medal is often just a year of training.”