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Poreč JudoFest 2026 is taking place in Croatia from June 8th to 13th. This premier event has become a global gathering point for over 600 elite judo athletes from more than 40 countries, plus an impressive 200 competitive cadets who are joining in for the prestigious European Judo Union Olympic Training Camp (OTC) and the Poreč Cadet Training Camp.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Plava Laguna resort, all activities are staged at the Intersport Hall in Zelena Laguna. This expansive athletic gathering aims to provide elite-level physical training and technical nurturing, bringing together a mix of world champions, Olympic medalists, and aspiring young talents. Participants take advantage of world-class facilities that foster intense competition, skill-sharing, and exceptional local hospitality.
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Poreč has once again become a focal point for the international judo community as it hosts this remarkable assembly of elite athletes, dedicated coaches, and prominent officials. Renowned as JudoFest, this annual event has cemented its status as critically important in the summer training calendar for judokas globally. Formerly known as the Judo Festival, the revamped format of JudoFest comprises an array of educational initiatives, tactical workshops, and demanding sporting activities all held under one umbrella.
While JudoFest features a broad range of offerings, the European Judo Union Olympic Training Camp and the Poreč Cadet Training Camp remain the twin highlights of the week. The Intersport Hall has been meticulously prepared to welcome the influx of participants, providing an immersive environment for over 600 senior athletes from more than 40 national federations, along with their 200 eager cadet counterparts.
The JudoFest event runs continuously from June 8th through June 13th, ensuring an abundance of athletic engagement. The training mats buzz with activity as a diverse group of seasoned Olympic medalists, reigning world champions, and promising newcomers come together in this unique training space. This collaboration leads to an environment filled with accelerated learning and rigorous physical preparation.
Many consider the high-quality training environments in Croatia as the primary draw for this international judo circuit. The organizational brilliance of JudoFest has garnered praise from key figures in the judo world. Notably, Olympic champion Barbara Đinović, who is anticipating her first child, remains actively involved in the Croatian Judo Federation, overseeing operational details. She commended the standard of training, emphasizing that participants perform at an exceptional level, effectively pushing each other’s limits.
The thoughtful fusion of rigorous training with top-notch facilities keeps athletes returning to this venue year after year. The Plava Laguna resort is equipped with everything from premium accommodation and state-of-the-art recovery areas to plenty of leisure options, all conveniently situated. This arrangement allows participants to devote their attention entirely to their training, free from the distractions of travel.
Croatian national team coach Dragan Crnov highlighted the significance of hosting such a vast international event domestically. He expressed immense pleasure in welcoming esteemed colleagues and friends from around the world, noting that it provides local athletes a rare chance to train alongside top competitors without leaving their homeland. It’s a unique opportunity for young Croatian judokas to absorb invaluable insights from elite athletes.
The impressive caliber of athletes present adds to the prestigious stature of JudoFest. One notable participant is two-time Olympic champion Lukáš Krpálek, a well-known regular at the event, who praised the venue’s excellent infrastructure and accessibility. He particularly enjoys the short distances between accommodation and training facilities, alongside the nearby sea for relaxation post-training, making it perfect for family visits.
Further enriching the roster, the powerful Georgian contingent features 2012 Olympic champion Lasha Shavdatuashvili and reigning world champions Tato Grigalashvili and Eteri Liparteliani. Moreover, current world number one Lara Cvjetko, rising star Anna Monta Olek from Germany, Olympic silver medalist Prisca Awiti Alcaraz from Mexico, and double world champion Jorge Fonseca from Portugal are all present, showcasing the event’s international diversity. Croatia’s own representation includes over 50 senior athletes and nearly 40 cadets, all undergoing training with experienced coaching staff.
The packed schedule exceeds the standard training camps. Following the main events, a secondary phase from June 14th to 18th is set to introduce specialized athletic development sessions, particularly for U14 and U16 young individuals, under the guidance of former world champion Ákos Braun.
The forthcoming activities include inclusive judo sessions to broaden access and a kata seminar led by esteemed instructors from Japan’s Kodokan institution. A family camp designed for sports-minded parents and their children under ten has also been incorporated. These engaging activities aim to attract around 1,100 participants throughout JudoFest, blending elite competition, advanced coaching, social inclusivity, and family-friendly engagement, solidifying its place as a highlight on the global sports calendar.
Source: The post JudoFest 2026: Elite Athletes and Rising Cadets Train in Croatia first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
