Sarajevo welcomed 1,353 veteran judoka competitors from 65 countries between September 20 and 24, before hosting the Kata World Championships on September 26 and 27. The gatherings transformed the Bosnian capital into a generational crossroads for a sport where veteran competitors frequently double as local coaches and referees.
Global Turnout and Competition Structure
The events brought international visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina, utilizing 101 distinct categories divided by age, weight, and gender on the tatami mats. Competitors ranged from seasoned veterans of the global circuit to technical specialists in kata performance. The tournament schedule began with the veteran bouts through September 24, followed directly by the kata world showcases on September 26 and 27.
Medal Standings and National Success
France finished at the top of the overall medal table at the veteran competition, capturing 15 gold medals, 19 silver medals, and 36 bronze medals. Georgia secured second place with nine golds, 13 silvers, and 17 bronzes, while Brazil placed third with nine gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals. Rounding out the top ten nations in order were Germany, Russia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Romania, Italy, and Sweden. For the athletes involved, however, the individual and national standings represented only one facet of a gathering dedicated to long-term community ties.
Leadership Recognition in Sarajevo
International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer addressed the success of the tournaments through social media, highlighting the dual focus on veteran competition and kata excellence. In a statement posted to X, Vizer noted that the championships demonstrated the strength and diversity of the sport by uniting experienced competitors with technical specialists on the world stage. Vizer also offered his thanks to the IJF Kata and Veterans Commissions, the Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the local organizing committee for their work in hosting the event.
Historical Resonance in the Host City
Hosting the championships in Sarajevo added profound historical weight to the proceedings. The city, which previously hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and endured severe devastation during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995, offered a setting where cultural and religious diversity intersects with a history of survival. On the tatami, competitors bowed to opponents before and after every match—a simple gesture embodying mutual respect regardless of nationality or background. While sport cannot erase history or heal wartime scars, the gathering established a temporary common ground built on discipline, courage, and personal connection.
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