Skopje became a vibrant gathering point as 252 competitors from 26 countries came together for the 2024 Junior European Cup. The first day set a positive tone for the event, featuring the women’s -63kg, -70kg, -78kg, and +78kg categories, as well as the men’s -60kg, -66kg, and -73kg categories.
Georgia topped the medal tally with nine medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze), while Croatia followed closely with five medals (2 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze). Notably, six different countries claimed first place across the seven categories on the first day. A highlight was the bronze medal earned by the host nation, North Macedonia, in the women’s +78kg category, won by Borjana Pop Atanasova.
The opening ceremony was a lively event too with the host going all out to entertain the spectators and warmly welcome the delegations. During the ceremony, Mr. Vladimir Trpanoski, President of the North Macedonian Judo Federation, along with Mrs. Catarina Rodrigues, Vice-President Sport of the European Judo Union, delivered the inaugural welcome speech to all attendees.
The second day promises more excitement from the women’s -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, and men’s -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, and +100kg categories. Watch live online via judotv.com
Images: Bojan Ilieski / Text: National Judo Federation of North Macedonia
Author: Szandra Szogedi