Challenge for Italian juniors to equal last year's European results

The Junior European Judo Championships in Tallinn this week promise exciting matchups, particularly in the lightweight categories for both men and women. Last year's championships saw dominance from Georgia, Italy, and the Netherlands, but this year, there's hope for a broader distribution of gold medals among the participating nations.

In the U60kg category, all eyes will be on Nizami Imranov (AZE), the reigning junior European champion and junior world silver medallist. Imranov is aiming to defend his title, but he will face stiff competition from Ksawery Ignasiak (POL), the 2022 junior European champion, and Izhak Ashpiz (ISR), a rising star who won the cadet European title in July this year. Ashpiz's recent success might make him a dark horse in this category, potentially shaking up the expected outcomes.

The U66kg category is shaping up to be a showdown among the top seeds. Valerio Accogli (ITA), Jochem Van Harten (NED), Alessio De Luca (ITA), and Gabor Aron (HUN) are all in strong contention for the podium. Accogli, who won a European Open silver medal in Tallinn last year, will be looking to leverage his experience to secure a top spot again.

In the U48kg category, Marta Beorlegui Oses (ESP) is making the transition from cadet to junior level, having won the European cadet title last year in the U44kg category. However, she will face tough competition as she steps up to the U48kg division, especially with her compatriot Aitana Diaz Hernandez (ESP) entering as the top seed. Additionally, Morgane Annie (FRA) and Laura Borden (ROU), both of whom have shown strong performances in the junior European cups, will be serious contenders. Summer Shaw (GBR), Britain's top-ranked junior in this category, also adds to the competition, making this one of the most closely watched divisions.

In the U52kg division, Alyssa Poulange (FRA), a former cadet European champion, will compete unseeded, which could add to her challenges in Tallinn. She'll face off against Micaela Sciacovelli (ITA), who is the top seed after placing third at the junior World Championships in 2023.

Can Italy shine like last year in The Hague with five gold medals? Giulia Carna (ITA), the reigning junior European champion and junior world silver medallist, will be unseeded in the U57kg weight class instead of her usual U52kg division. This leaves Kinga Chmielewska (POL) as the top-ranked junior European judoka in the U57kg category, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament.

As the competition kicks off, there is anticipation for not only the established champions to defend their titles but also for emerging talents to make their mark on the junior European stage.