In hardly any other Olympic sport has Austria been as successful as in judo. There were two medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The next milestones are to follow at the World Cup in autumn. Before that, the largest judo tournament in Austria will take place in Oberwart. The drum was already being beaten on Monday.
More than 300 athletes take part in the judo tournament in Oberwart – including six Olympic champions – and also the best Burgenland judo fighter. On Monday, young local judoka presented their skills in the Oberwart shopping center. Austria’s Olympic silver medalist Michaela Polleres and Burgenland’s best athlete Julia Sommer were also there. They should all make you want to go to the European Open, which is taking place at the Oberwarter Sporthalle this weekend.
The European Open in Oberwart has become a tradition. The tournament, organized by the Austrian Judo Association, has been taking place in southern Burgenland since 2011. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, this year is the ninth edition of the tournament. “The sports town of Oberwart simply has perfect conditions. We really like being there. The state, the community, everyone is actually behind the project, the infrastructure is great,” said the President of the Austrian Judo Federation, Martin Poiger.
Prominent tournament
The European Open is the lowest ranking international tournament series in judo. Because of the approaching World Cup in Kazakhstan, this year’s tournament is nonetheless very prominent. In addition to six Olympic champions, the two Austrian medal winners from the last games will also be there: Shamil Borchashwilli and Michaela Polleres are already looking towards the World Championships. They start in Oberwart because it’s in Austria and because there aren’t that many tournaments before the World Cup and it’s a good chance to fight once more and prepare for the World Cup, Polleres said.
The young Julia Sommer from Rudersdorf would like to use her home field advantage in Oberwart. “Of course it’s a great feeling, even in front of the home crowd and when the parents can watch, everyone from the club is there and cheering for you,” said Sommer. Fighting takes place on Saturday and Sunday. There are seven weight classes for both women and men.
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