Jerusalem Opens New Judo Complex in Malha Sports Campus

Jerusalem inaugurated a new judo complex at the Tennis and Education Center, located in the heart of the Malha Sports Campus near Teddy Stadium and Pais Arena. The opening ceremony on July 21, 2026, was attended by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon, Judo Association Chairman Moshe Ponti, CEO of Tennis and Education Centers in Israel Eyal Taaz, athletes, and guests. The new facility aims to provide advanced training conditions for Jerusalem's judo athletes and expand the sport's activities, reinforcing Jerusalem's status as Israel's sports capital.

The judo center is part of a large-scale upgrade project for the Tennis and Education Center, initiated by the Jerusalem Municipality, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Ministry of Transportation, with development by Moriah Company. The project included renovations of 12 existing tennis courts, addition of four covered tennis courts, two open courts, four squash halls, a gym, commercial areas, and now the judo complex. This development completes the Malha Sports Campus, Israel's largest and most advanced sports complex.

A significant upcoming improvement is the opening of the Green Line light rail, which will connect the sports campus to the entire city, including the Yitzhak Navon train station. This transportation link is expected to facilitate access for tens of thousands of athletes, trainers, fans, and residents year-round.

Mayor Moshe Leon emphasized Jerusalem's ongoing investment in top sports infrastructure, stating the new judo center is a major step in developing Malha Sports Campus and providing first-class sports facilities for all city residents. Eyal Taaz highlighted the expanded sports opportunities the new judo complex brings to athletes and families, praising the municipality's continued efforts to strengthen Jerusalem's sports stature.

Notable judo athletes from Jerusalem include European champion and bronze medalist Ori Sasson and European silver medalist Timna Nelson Levi. The new complex is expected to nurture the next generation of Jerusalem's judo talent.