MORE THAN 1,000 JUDOKAS FROM 23 COUNTRIES IN MAJDOV ACADEMY

ISTOČNO NOVO SARAJEVO, July 30 /SRNA/ – The fifth edition of the judo academy organised by renowned Serb judoka Nemanja Majdov, which begins tomorrow in Istočno Novo Sarajevo, will bring together more than 1,000 participants from 23 countries, making it the largest sporting event in Republika Srpska and a unique opportunity for young judokas to learn from four Olympic and world champions.

Majdov said at a press conference in Istočno Novo Sarajevo that this year's academy will be marked by the participation of two-time Olympic champions Lasha Bekauri of Georgia and Lukáš Krpálek of the Czech Republic, whom he described as true legends of world judo.

"This is the biggest sporting event in Republika Srpska. We have 23 countries, more than 1,000 participants, and four Olympic and world gold medals gathered in one place. Three days of an outstanding training camp are ahead of us, and I am confident everything will be spectacular," Majdov said.

He thanked President Milorad Dodik for making it possible for all children under the age of 15 from Republika Srpska to attend the academy free of charge, stressing that it would give them the opportunity to learn from their sporting idols and develop an even greater love for judo.

Two-time Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri of Georgia said he was delighted to be part of the project and to share his knowledge and experience with young athletes.

"I am grateful to Nemanja for the invitation. This project is very important, and I am pleased to pass on my experience to the children taking part in the camp," Bekauri said.

Celebrated Czech judoka Lukáš Krpálek said he fully understands the importance of such initiatives, as he also organises a judo academy for young athletes in Prague.

"It is very important to motivate children to take up sports. This project is incredible, with more than 1,000 participants, and I am sure it will inspire many of them to continue training and achieve great results," Krpálek said.

The official opening ceremony will be attended by Ivan Todorov, President of the Judo Federation of Serbia and Vice President of the European Judo Union.

The fifth edition of the Majdov Academy will run until August 2, while official accreditation for participants is scheduled for today from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.