The Senior Individual Judo Championship of Montenegro took place on March 15, 2024, in Podgorica, showcasing the talent of over 100 athletes from 20 different clubs. This event not only highlighted the competitive spirit of judo in the region but also underscored the growing popularity of the sport in Montenegro.
Held at the sports hall of the “Novka Ubović” Primary School, the championship featured fierce contests across various weight categories. Notably, several clubs emerged as strong contenders, with Judo Club Ibar, Judo Club Onogost, Judo Club Akademik, and Judo Club Monte Tatami each claiming two championships. Other clubs, including Ljubović, Nenad Sinanović, Ipon, Champion, Straševina, and Milenijum, secured one title each.
In the men’s category, the gold medals were claimed by a mix of seasoned competitors and emerging talents. Matej Milic from Ljubović won in the under 60 kg division. Emil Sinanović took the title in the under 66 kg category, while Jusuf Nurkovic and Jahja Nurkovic from Ibar triumphed in the under 73 kg and under 81 kg divisions, respectively. Other notable winners included Stevan Nikčević (Onogost, under 90 kg), Aleksandar Tomić (Akademik, under 100 kg), and Stefan Kovačić (Monte Tatami, over 100 kg).
The women’s competition was equally impressive, showcasing strong performances across all weight classes. Marija Simic from Ippon secured victory in the under 48 kg category, while Milana Stevanović from Monte Tatami excelled in the under 52 kg division. Other champions included Tamara Gardashevic (Akademik, under 57 kg), Nataša Jeftić (Champion, under 63 kg), Andrijana Šutović (Straševina, under 70 kg), Teodora Vlahović (Milenijum, under 78 kg), and Jovana Mrvaljević (Onogost, over 78 kg).
The success of this championship not only reflects the dedication of the athletes but also highlights the supportive community surrounding judo in Montenegro. With a significant turnout and competitive matches, the event has laid a strong foundation for the future of judo in the country. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sports in building community and fostering a spirit of competition among athletes of all ages.
