Where and when is the World Judo Championships for people with Down syndrome held?

The championship takes place in Lindesberg, Sweden, and the Croatian representatives departed on August 6, 2026.

In which categories do Mateo Holjevac and Nenad Vrbanec compete?

Mateo Holjevac competes in the under 73 kg category, while Nenad Vrbanec competes in the under 90 kg category.

What successes did they achieve in previous competitions in Lindesberg?

At the European Championships held last year at the same venue, Mateo Holjevac won the gold medal, and Nenad Vrbanec won the bronze.

How many countries are participating in this year's World Championships?

Athletes from a total of 12 countries will compete at the championship.

Skiing

Čakovec Judokas Holjevac and Vrbanec Set Sights on Medals

S.K. · Prije 1h | 2 min

After last year's European gold and bronze in Lindesberg, Mateo and Nenad return to the same mat with even greater ambitions.

Summary

Mateo Holjevac and Nenad Vrbanec from the Zrinski Judo Club Čakovec have traveled to Lindesberg, Sweden, for the World Championships for people with Down syndrome.
Holjevac competes in the under 73 kg category, while Vrbanec is in the under 90 kg category, with opponents coming from 12 countries.
At the same venue last year, they won European gold (Holjevac) and bronze (Vrbanec).

Two members of the Zrinski Judo Club from Čakovec, Mateo Holjevac and Nenad Vrbanec, traveled to Sweden on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, accompanied by coach Filip Šeketa. In the town of Lindesberg, they are set to compete at the World Championships for people with Down syndrome, where they will represent Croatia.

Competing in Different Categories

The major world event will bring together athletes from 12 countries: alongside Croatia, there will be Bulgaria, Japan, Portugal, Turkey, Iceland, Argentina, Sweden, Georgia, Finland, Poland, and the United Kingdom. In the under 73 kg category, Mateo Holjevac will test his strength, while Nenad Vrbanec will compete in the under 90 kg category.

Returning to the Scene of European Triumph

Lindesberg holds fond memories for both judokas. Last year, the same venue hosted the European Championships, where they achieved excellent results. Mateo Holjevac claimed the gold medal and the title of European champion, while Nenad Vrbanec took home the bronze. A year later, they are back on the same tatami, but with a bigger challenge ahead-they are aiming for world medals.

Behind Mateo and Nenad are countless hours of training, sacrifices, and significant international successes. At the World Championships, they have a new opportunity to showcase their skills, fighting spirit, and dedication to judo, and once again proudly represent Croatia and the Zrinski Judo Club from Čakovec. Although the final outcome is unknown, their past results have already confirmed that they rank among the best.