New category introduced as 400 judokas compete in LYG Judo

The 2026 London Youth Games Judo Competition delivered an inspiring day of athleticism, determination, and borough pride on 18 April 2026, as more than 400 young judoka from across London came together at UEL SportsDock for one of the flagship events of the London Youth Games Open Games programme.

Competitors representing 27 London boroughs showcased exceptional skill and commitment across a full schedule of contests. This year, we introduced a new category for Red Belts (novices), which allowed early-stage judoka to experience the joy of competing.

At the event, over a quarter of the participants at the event were red belts – helping them to start out their journey in judo. Many judokas from a range of belts also had the opportunity to earn their first-ever competition medals.

Gabrielle from Havering said: “Today was amazing. There were some very tough fights with girls who are experienced. This is my first gold medal and I’m really proud of my achievements, it’s an amazing feeling.”

Isaac from Ealing said: “It’s been a nice experience for me to be in the London Youth Games. It’s a good way to improve my judo skills. It feels good to win medals for my borough, knowing that I have helped them achieve something.”

Karina from Sutton said: “London Youth Games is very fun and exciting and it feels very important and brave to represent my borough.”

Families, supporters, and teammates filled the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that carried through every match.

The event would not be possible without the passion and dedication of the officials from the British Judo Association London Area Committee, who praised the high standard of judo on display and the positive spirit shown by all participants.

Congratulations to Havering who claimed gold for both the boys and girls team medals, with Barking & Dagenham taking the boys team silver, Merton taking girls team silver, Bexley taking Boys team bronze and Newham taking the Girls team bronze.

The London Youth Games has long provided a platform for future stars, with alumni including The likes of Olympic Bronze medallist, Karina Bryant (Kingston), Olympic Silver medallist, Gemma Gibbons (Greenwich), Olympians Ashley McKenzie (Westminster), Nekoda Smythe-Davis (Brent), and British judokas, Kelly Staddon (Barking & Dagenham), Hayley Wills (Barking & Dagenham) and Winston Gordon (Lambeth). This year’s judo event continued that tradition, giving hundreds of young Londoners the chance to compete, grow, and be inspired.

The Games remain dedicated to ensuring that every young person in London has access to meaningful sporting and physical activity experiences. The 2026 Judo Competition once again highlighted the power of sport to build confidence, resilience, and community.

The event was brilliantly supported by the Borough Team Organisers, Team Managers, coaches and parents, whose support ensured a memorable experience for all involved.

London Youth Games has been supporting young people for 49 years; the Judo event is part of our commitment to create life-changing opportunities for young Londoners through sport and physical activity. The London Youth Games Foundation supports more than 10,000 young people across London each year, delivering opportunities across 37 sports for all 32 boroughs & the City of London.