Cagliari Welcomes 302 Young Judokas for Sardegna Trophy After Eight-Year Absence

The Sardegna Trophy brought national under-15 judo back to Cagliari after an eight-year hiatus, drawing 302 athletes from more than 100 clubs across Italy to Palazzetto A in via dello Sport. Organized by the FIJLKAM Sardegna Regional Committee’s Judo Sector alongside local sports associations, the two-day tournament featured 435 bouts overseen by 22 match officials in front of more than 3,000 spectators.

The competition served as an official qualifying stage of the Trofeo Italia for the Esordienti B class—comprising athletes aged 13 and 14—and awarded critical points toward the national Ranking List. At the conclusion of the circuit, the top 20 ranked competitors earn entry into the A1 or A2 Italian Championships.

Nineteen Titles Awarded Across Two Days of Competition

Action at the Municipal Sports Complex spanned the weekend, opening on Saturday with the male categories from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while Sunday’s schedule focused on the female divisions, concluding around 2:30 p.m. In total, 19 titles were decided—ten in the boys’ divisions and nine in the girls’ events. Piemonte and Sicilia led the regional medal counts, capturing four victories apiece.

In the club standings, Team Iacovazzi secured first place with 36 points. Akiyama finished second with 28 points, and Koizumi took third with 24 points.

The event also drew more than 100 technicians and companions to the Sardinian capital, with free admission offered to the public alongside live-streaming coverage for fans unable to attend in person.

Strong Host Representation From Sardinian Clubs

Local athletes formed a prominent contingent on the tatami, with 69 competitors representing 24 island associations. Other reports cited a local registration figure of 75 athletes accompanied by 30 technicians from 23 associations.

Claudio Camba, president of the regional Judo sector, noted that the turnout highlighted the ongoing development of the island’s youth movement. “We are very satisfied with the success of the event and are waiting for the green light from the National Federation to organize the next edition as well,” Camba said.

Vincenzo Piroddu, regional president of FIJLKAM, added that hosting the tournament proved the island’s capability in handling complex sporting logistics. “It is a recognition that has honored us,” Piroddu said.

Distinguished figures attended the weekend matches, including Maria Teresa Motta, federal councillor and former European and world champion; Stefania Soro, regional vice president of CONI; and Giuseppe Macciotta, Councillor for Sport for the Municipality of Cagliari.

Cagliari Points Influence National Championship Qualification

Because the tournament functions within the Trofeo Italia circuit, the matches carried heavy implications for youth seeding and national placement. The points gathered in Cagliari directly influence the final standings required to qualify for the national championship brackets.

Organizers are currently awaiting formal confirmation from the national federation regarding whether Cagliari will retain hosting duties for the next edition of the Sardegna Trophy.