On April 6 in "Yubileyny" Sports palace in Tver started the Cup of Europe on judo among young men and girls till 18 years. Governor Andrey Shevelev, the chairman of Legislative Assembly, the president of the Tverskaya regional federation of judo Andrey Epishin, the executive director of Federation of judo of Russia Valentin Habirov took part in opening ceremony of tournament.

The international competitions on judo have in the Upper Volga more than 20-year history. Long time they were carried out as the "Tverskie Nadegdy" tournament. In recent years the status of competitions considerably grew: tournament was included in the Uniform calendar of the European union of judo, and in the 2011th is officially renamed into the Cup of Europe.

Tournament is held under the auspices of the European union of judo together with Federation of judo of Russia, the Government of the Tver region and the Tverskaya regional federation of judo. On a tatami of the Upper Volga within two days there are about 260 judoists 16 countries: Russia, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, Montenegro, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia and others.

The Tver stage of the Cup of Europe – the first selection round to formation of a youthful national team of Russia on judo for participation in superiority of Europe. Foreign teams have the right to expose to participation of only two athletes in each weight category. Russian it will be presented by 6 participants in weight. For a rank of the best pupils of the Tver school of judo will be overcome also.

Welcoming athletes and fans, Andrey Shevelev called carrying out in the region of competitions of such high rank a sign event. He noted that the special attention is paid to development of judo — it is a basic Olympic sport in the Tver region.

— Today judo are engaged more than two thousand inhabitants of the Upper Volga. I hope that the example of today's athletes becomes infectious for many young audience. I wish you uncompromising wrestling, the will to win and high sports results — the head of the region of participants of tournament addressed.

Competitions take place by new rules which are urged to reduce a travmoopasnost of wrestling and to make competitions by more spectacular. For the aid to judges video filming of duels is conducted. More than 100 volunteers are involved in the organization of tournament, the press service of the Government of the Tver region reported.

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