Throughout the eighth and ninth of February, the European excursions are beginning for cadets, juniors and seniors, over 1300 members in complete. Arriving in Ljubljana for the European Open, 445 judoka from 32 nations. With this, it’s set to be a implausible debut occasion for 2025.
The highest ranked lady competing within the nation’s capital is dwelling favorite, Metka LOBNIK within the -78kg class at #18 on the earth. The Portugal Grand Prix silver medallist will probably be joined by workforce mate, Kaja SCHUSTER who we all know from the -70kg class, taking a Junior World bronze medal in October final 12 months.
Additionally coming in at #18 on the WRL is Jack YONEZUKA (USA), heading the -73kg class with a formidable 63 entries, at all times probably the most populated teams.
Junior European Champion, Nikolina NISAVIC (SRB) examined the senior waters final, securing a Senior European Cup gold and European Open bronze, so regardless of her rating of #120, she will certainly be one to look out for on day one within the -52kg class. Similar goes for workforce mate, Bogdan VELICKOVIC, the Cadet European Champion has already medalled as a junior however is pushing himself on the senior circuit this weekend.
One other junior expertise is Nino LOLADZE (GEO) who grew to become -57kg finalist of the Junior and U23 European Championships in 2024 who was additionally a part of the Senior Combined Workforce who took the World Championships bronze in Abu Dhabi. There will probably be some new faces on this weight as nicely, Binta NDIAYE (SUI) and Kelly DEGUCHI (CAN).
As that is a gap event for many athletes, there may be normally a pattern of them getting into a weight class above their standard to take away the added strain administration, merely having the texture of being again on the tatami. Within the -63kg class for instance, we have now the -57kg European Championship finalist, Kaja KAJZER (SLO) so will probably be attention-grabbing to see if this can be a everlasting transfer.
Workforce Ukraine even have a number of class adjustments, the -66kg males must be careful for the unranked Nazar VISKOV (UKR), the -60kg Junior and U23 European Champion, and the -73s have Bogdan IADOV, Senior European Champion and Paris Grand Slam winner of their rear view mirrors.
There are certain to be loads of surprises and upsets in Ljubljana this weekend so don’t miss the motion and head over to JudoTV.com.
Writer: Thea Cowen
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