Kaunas camp momentum lifts Lithuanian judo as juniors pack the tatami

There was barely any time to slow down in Kaunas. Right after the Kaunas Junior European Cup, young judoka returned to work from 27 to 29 April at the EJU Junior Training Camp, filling the President Valdas Adamkus Sports Arena with energy despite the fatigue of competition.

That was the striking part of the week: even after an intense event, the mats stayed crowded. Athletes came back to train, sharpen details and keep building, a sign of how seriously this generation is approaching its progress.

For Sandra Jablonskytė, former judoka, Olympian and now president of the Lithuanian Judo Federation, the turnout carried special meaning. Seeing so many ambitious athletes in her hometown made a strong impression, and she spoke warmly about the pride she feels when young judoka show up ready to push themselves.

The biggest message in Kaunas was simple: the mats were full again.

She also pointed to the harder reality of elite sport. Injuries remain one of the biggest fears in judo because they can affect far more than physical condition, touching confidence, rhythm and even a career path. In that context, a demanding camp running without major incidents was an important positive.

Another key detail is the growth of the event itself. According to the source, this year’s Kaunas EJU Junior Training Camp attracted more athletes than in previous editions, underlining the rising profile of the Lithuanian stop on the European calendar.

For European judo, that matters. A well-attended camp after a competition weekend shows not only ambition, but also a strong culture of development. In Kaunas, the atmosphere once again suggested that Lithuania’s judo scene is moving forward, supported by events that help young athletes improve while building a real sense of community.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union