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Author: Croatian Judo Federation
Long, tiring, productive. Three words that describe the first day of the Poreč Millennium Team European Cadet Cup. The “Žatika” sports hall, which recently hosted the World Handball Championship again, started filling up from the early hours of the morning, or more precisely from six in the morning, considering that our first matches were scheduled for eight hours.
Big numbers and slow hours were not the only things that stood out today, the young judokas also had the opportunity to meet their idols today. The venue was visited by two Olympic champions, Argentine Paula PARETO (-48kg) and Kosovar Majlinda KELMENDI (-52kg), both gold medalists from Rio de Janeiro in 2016, but today in the role of coaches of their national teams.
The Poreč Millennium Team European Cadet Cup 2025 was opened by the Mayor of the City of Poreč, Mr. Loris PERŠURIĆ. In addition to the mayor, speeches were given before the anthem by Alessandro COMI, EJU Head Sport Commissioner, Tomislav DRUŽAK, Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Dr. Sc. Sanda ČORAK, President of the Croatian Judo Federation.
The largest category today was the men’s 66 kg category, with 93 judokas competing for the podium. Serbian Boris JANKOVIĆ climbed to the top of the podium today with a victory in the final against Georgian Gigi KEKVIASHVILI.
The -48kg category, on the other hand, was the largest in the women’s competition. Polish Barbara TWARKOWSKA recorded five victories today, winning gold with a victory over Aiore MARTIN CARRICHES (ESP).
The diversity of quality is shown by the fact that medals were won today by competitors from 12 different countries, and when we look at the overall standings, after the first day the Hungarian team took first place with two golds and two bronzes, followed by Serbia and Poland in third place.
The tournament that Barbara MATIĆ also once won is now a real test for many of the upcoming generation, because those who win medals here have most often won medals at major competitions.
The Croatian team, from which a little more was expected today, remained only a good host. Today it did not work out, without achieving a placement.
Tomorrow, Sunday, the rematch, starting at 8 am and another long judo day. The morning begins with the categories W -57kg, W -63kg, M -73kg, M -81kg, and continues in the afternoon with W -70kg, W +70kg, M -90kg, M +90kg.
Author: EJU Media