In late September, the international playoff series for the "Battle of Cities" Continental Division kicked off. Russian youth teams are facing international opponents in eight cities across neighboring countries and beyond, competing for spots in the tournament's Superfinal, scheduled for December.
Under the tournament rules, the winners and runners-up from the eight "Higher Division" regions automatically qualify for the Superfinal. Teams finishing third and fourth continue their bid for a final spot through these international playoff tournaments. Each event features four squads: two from Russia and two representing the host country.
The "Battle of Cities" international series began on September 23 in Astana, Kazakhstan, where the host city’s team won the opening matches. Matches in Minsk are scheduled for September 30–October 1. The third tournament will take place on October 9–10 in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The competition reaches its halfway point on October 14 in Tashkent. The fifth tournament is set for October 21–22 in Yerevan, the heart of Armenia. Next, the international stage moves to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The seventh tournament will be held on November 4 in Istanbul, and the international playoff series will conclude in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
"Battle of Cities" is an international project organized by the Russian Judo Federation and the "Cradle of the Fatherland" Charitable Foundation, with support from the general sponsor, Fonbet. The project aims to develop youth sports, strengthen international ties of friendship, and cultivate a new generation of athletes capable of proudly representing their cities on both domestic and international tatamis.
