Por Pablo Arranz 
During this week, Benidorm is hosting the Olympic Training Camp of Spain for Judo, a ‘stage’ that has reached a record number of athletes in this edition, with nearly 1,000 judokas, and also of participating countries, with 59 nations. As conveyed by the Royal Spanish Judo Federation and Associated Sports, these figures consolidate the event «as the most important and of the highest level in the world.»
From the 18th until tomorrow Saturday, some of the best judokas on the planet have trained shoulder to shoulder on the 1,400 square meters of tatami arranged in the Palau d’Esports l’Illa. Not in vain, in Benidorm, most of the medalists from the past World Championship and the Paris 2024 Games have come together, «raising the level of training to the category of absolute elite.» Among the nearly 60 countries’ teams, the international Refugee team has also been present. On a national level, the Spanish delegation has had great references, who have taken advantage of this concentration in Benidorm as preparation for the Budapest World Championship,» held from June 13 to 20. Among the delegation members, Fran Garrigós, bronze in Paris 2024; Nikoloz Sherazadishvili, double world champion; and Laura Martínez and Ai Tsunoda, both Olympic diploma winners in Paris, stand out.
The event organized by the Royal Federation, as part of its strategy to enhance the national judo level without leaving the country, has received the support of the City Council, the Provincial Council of Alicante, the Higher Sports Council, and the Spanish Olympic Committee, in addition to Iberdrola and Daedo.
The Sports Councilor, Javier Jordá, has pointed out that «once again, Benidorm has shown that it is prepared to host international events of the highest level, not only for its facilities but also for its organizational capacity and commitment to sports.» From the Royal Federation, they have emphasized that «having a training of this level at home, with world and Olympic champions and champions, is a privilege for our judokas and a great opportunity for Spanish judo to continue growing.»