The VII Super Copa de España de Judo Infantil y Cadete, scheduled for 14 and 15 November at the Recinto Ferial in Barbastro, is projected to have an economic impact exceeding half a million euros for the city and its surrounding area. Organised by the Federación Aragonesa de Judo y Deportes Asociados (FAJYDA) in collaboration with the Barbastro City Council, the event will host nearly 1,000 athletes from across Spain, along with coaches, family members, and supporters.
According to estimates, the championship is expected to generate around 5,000 overnight stays, primarily benefiting the hospitality, accommodation, and retail sectors. Francisco Albert, the city’s Sports Councillor, noted, “All these competitions project Alto Aragón through sport and demonstrate our capacity to organise top-level events. Additionally, they generate economic activity, hotel occupancy, and movement in hospitality and commerce. During that weekend, we will welcome hundreds of families who will have the opportunity to discover our city, which will have a direct impact on our commerce and hospitality. We estimate a minimum expenditure of 100 euros per person for these days.”
This year, the competition has been elevated to the Super Copa category, the highest distinction awarded by the Real Federación Española de Judo y Deportes Asociados (RFEJYDA) to tournaments in this circuit. Cristina Berrocal, president of FAJYDA, explained that this recognition follows six editions as a Copa de España, providing Barbastro with “a quality leap that acknowledges the work carried out over the years by the organisation, clubs, and involved institutions.”
Mayor Fernando Torres highlighted that this new status “reinforces Barbastro's position as a venue for major sporting events.” The growth of the competition is evident from last year’s figures, which saw 813 athletes and over 200 coaches participating, representing all 17 autonomous communities and Andorra. This year’s predictions suggest an increase to over 900 participants, potentially reaching 1,000 judokas. Registration for the event closes on 9 November.
The competition will unfold over two days, featuring six tatamis operating simultaneously—one more than in previous editions—allowing for an expanded competition capacity and a more efficient event schedule. A total of 32 weight categories will be contested, for both male and female participants. The addition of the new tatami is made possible by the venue change to the Recinto Ferial, as the previous venue, Pabellón Ángel Orús, is undergoing parquet renovations that prevented it from hosting the Super Copa.
On Saturday, 14 November, the infant category will compete, while cadets will take to the tatami on Sunday, 15 November. Both days will commence at 9:00 am, with official weigh-ins and accreditations taking place at the Recinto Ferial: on Friday, 13 November for infants and on Saturday afternoon for cadets. Mayor Torres remarked, “Due to its significance, impact, and number of participants, this is undoubtedly the event of the year. To refer to this as a Super Copa in 2026 is excellent news and a recognition of the work done over the years to consolidate this competition in our city. We are proud of this elevation and of welcoming hundreds of young talents from across Spain.”
The Super Copa de Barbastro is part of the 'Tu Provincia Huesca, La Magia' circuit, which includes three major national judo events in Alto Aragón: Jaca in May for the senior category, Binéfar in September for junior and veteran categories, and Barbastro in November for infant and cadet categories.
Albert Vera, a representative of the main sponsor Verum Principia, emphasised the importance of the event in promoting values such as teamwork, respect for opponents, effort, and resilience: “When we were approached, we did not hesitate. I commend FAJYDA for its organisational capabilities, as well as the Barbastro City Council. We are proud to be part of this event.”
Organising an event of this scale requires collaboration from clubs, coaches, referees, volunteers, and organisational staff, along with institutional support. In this edition, Verum Principia is the main sponsor, supported by the Barbastro City Council, the Provincial Council of Huesca, the Government of Aragón, and the Higher Sports Council.
The VII Super Copa de España de Judo Infantil y Cadete can be followed live on FAJYDA's YouTube channel, with draws and results available on the FAJYDA website and its social media platforms (@fajyda).
