Nymburk’s record OTC wraps up after a week packed with world-class randori

Nymburk turned into a full-on judo hub from 9–16 March 2026, and the numbers tell the story. The Czech Judo Federation reported a record 1,088 participants at the Sports Centre Nymburk (527 men, 353 women and 208 accompanying persons), making this Olympic Training Camp (OTC) the biggest event ever held under the federation’s umbrella.

A European training base just proved it can host the very top level.

What made the camp feel even bigger was the level on the tatami. The randori sessions included three reigning Olympic champions from Paris: Hidayet Heydarov, Lasha Bekauri and Zelym Kotsoiev, all taking part in training bouts. For European fans, there was also a powerful home spotlight in Lukáš Krpálek, the Czech two-time Olympic champion, sharing the same training space and raising the intensity across the groups.

The chance to measure up against that kind of opposition helped draw a record number of international delegations. In the organisers’ view, it’s another step in establishing Nymburk as one of Europe’s key centres for high-performance preparation—exactly the kind of place athletes want on the calendar when the season gets serious.

The Czech Judo Federation used the moment to back its own programme in a very concrete way: all nominated Czech judoka were allowed to attend free of charge, with accommodation and catering fully covered. The stated aim is not only to lift competitive standards, but also to strengthen team cohesion—time together in a demanding environment that can matter when pressure hits later in the year.

Even with the scale of the camp, the federation expects a strongly positive financial outcome, citing efficient management and the strong turnout. Federation president Pavel Volek publicly thanked the organising team, coaches and the Nymburk venue staff for delivering conditions that match top international standards.

Recognition also came from Japan, with a personal letter sent to the organisers by Shinichi Nakamura and Inoue Kosei. Next up on the EJU OTC schedule is Tata, Hungary, set for 30 March to 3 April.

Source: EJU_News