Following the visit, Rodrigues was encouraged by both the facilities and the progress of the preparations. “Overall, this first technical visit was very positive. The proposed venue fully meets our requirements and, as it is currently undergoing renovations, it will be in excellent condition for competition day. Having an extensive sports complex located right next to the venue is very convenient for the warm-up area.
“Furthermore, I had the opportunity to visit the Olympic Village where the judo athletes will stay. It provides strong technical conditions, allowing the official weigh-in and training sessions to take place directly on-site, which will be very comfortable for our athletes.”
Attention will now gradually move from planning towards testing the operational set-up. A test event is expected to take place in early 2027, with the exact dates still to be confirmed. This will provide an important opportunity to assess the facilities and operational procedures under competition conditions. Rodrigues explained, “Looking ahead, our next key step will be a test event early next year, with exact dates to be confirmed, allowing us to put all facilities to the test in a practical setting.”
A New Two-Day Format
One of the major developments for Istanbul 2027 will be the introduction of a two-day Mixed Team competition. Rodrigues said, “The judo competition in Istanbul will feature an innovative two-day format, dedicating the first day to the preliminary rounds and the second day exclusively to the repechage finals, semi-finals, bronze medal matches and the final itself. Additionally, the European Games event will also act as the European Mixed Team Championships, giving it dual significance.”
That dual status makes Istanbul 2027 considerably more than another major multi-sport appearance for European judo. The competition forms part of the pathway towards the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, with Mixed Team World Ranking List points available and the Istanbul results carrying 100% of their value. A total of 22 teams are expected to compete in Istanbul. Nineteen places will be allocated through the World Ranking List, alongside two Universality places and one position reserved for the host nation.
For European National Federations, this makes the upcoming European Mixed Team Championships in Belgrade in November 2026 another important step. The Belgrade event will carry 50% ranking points towards the final Mixed Team World Ranking List before LA28, meaning the route towards Istanbul and, ultimately, Los Angeles is already underway.
Rodrigues stressed, “This competition serves as a critical milestone, counting 100% points towards the final Mixed Team World Ranking List to be used to determine team quota allocations for the Olympic Games LA 2028. To secure a spot at the next European Games, it is crucial for all National Federations to take part in the upcoming European Mixed Team Championships in Belgrade in November 2026, counting 50% points towards the final Mixed Team World Ranking List before LA 2028.”
Beyond ranking points and qualification, the European Games provide an important platform for National Federations to continue strengthening relationships with their respective National Olympic Committees. With the LA28 cycle progressing, Istanbul offers another opportunity to position judo firmly within national Olympic planning and to build momentum around the Mixed Team format.
For the host city, the Games will also provide a significant international showcase. Istanbul has long held ambitions of hosting the Olympic Games, and the delivery of a major continental multi-sport event will place the city, its venues and organisational capabilities firmly in the spotlight.
With the competition venue progressing through renovation, athlete facilities already offering the necessary conditions for training and weigh-in, and a test event planned for early 2027, the first technical inspection has provided a positive foundation for the months ahead.
The countdown now stands at 256 days but for European judo, the pathway to Istanbul 2027, and its wider significance on the road towards LA28, has already begun.