Algarve calling: Portimão set to stage the 2026 Veterans Europeans

After a brief period of doubt, the European veterans judo community finally has something solid to plan around. The European Judo Union (EJU) has confirmed a new host city and dates for the European Judo Championships Veterans 2026. The event will now be held in Portimão, Portugal, running from 22 to 25 October 2026.

The change comes after the French Judo Federation returned the organisational rights, which followed an earlier announcement that the championships had been postponed. In response, the EJU Executive Committee moved quickly to secure a replacement solution. For athletes, coaches, and families across Europe, that speed matters: it keeps a key championship alive and puts certainty back into travel, training, and team planning.

The 2026 Veterans Europeans are officially locked in for 22–25 October in Portugal.

Portimão sits in the Algarve region and is known as a popular travel destination, but the sporting side is just as important here. The EJU points to a modern arena that has already served as a home for EJU events since 2024, suggesting an experienced set-up and a venue that understands what a major judo weekend demands.

For European veterans, this championship is about more than medals—it’s also about staying connected to the sport and to each other. The EJU’s message is clear: the event is secured, the location is confirmed, and the rest will follow. Further details, including the official outlines, are expected to be published in due course.

Source: EJU_News