Olympian on the mat at the second day of Junior Europeans

The second day of the Junior European Judo Championships in Tallinn is set to deliver high-stakes action, featuring some of the most talented young judokas from across Europe. The competition will focus on the women’s U63kg and U70kg categories, as well as the men’s U73kg and U81kg divisions. The day is expected to be filled with intense battles, as reigning champions and top contenders vie for European glory.

The U70kg category is expected to be one of the highlights of the day, particularly with the participation of Tais Pina (POR), who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Although she enters the competition unseeded, Pina's experience at the senior level makes her a formidable opponent. However, she will face a number of hungry competitors eager to make their mark. Alessandra Andric (SRB), the reigning cadet European champion, and Tuna Gulaney (TUR), a former cadet European champion, are both determined to succeed. Elena Dengg (AUT), the 2023 junior world bronze medallist, and April Lynn Fohouo (SUI), the top seed in this category, will also be strong contenders. Pina's lack of familiarity with some of these opponents could pose a challenge, making her path to victory uncertain but thrilling to watch.

In the U63kg category, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Melkia Auchecorne (FRA), the current junior world champion and the top-ranked competitor. Auchecorne is widely regarded as the one to beat, given her impressive track record. However, she will face tough competition from other rising stars. Sinem Oruc (TUR), who recently clinched a bronze medal at the Cadet World Championships in Lima, will be looking to carry her momentum into Tallinn. Additionally, Nina Simic (CRO), a 2023 junior world bronze medallist, and Sara Corbo (ITA), the second and third seeds respectively, are both strong contenders for a podium finish. With these talented judokas in the mix, the U63kg category promises to be fiercely contested.

In the U73kg category, Vusal Galandarzade (AZE) is the man to watch. After winning the junior European title in 2022, Galandarzade finished third in 2023 and is now seeking redemption. As the reigning junior world champion, he is expected to dominate the category. However, he will need to be wary of challengers like Giorgi Loladze (GEO) and Mouhammad Gazaloev (BEL), the latter of whom won bronze at the 2023 junior World Championships. With a few strong contenders in the mix, Galandarzade’s quest for gold will not be an easy one.

The U81kg category is equally stacked, with Igor Tsurkan (UKR), the junior European silver medallist from 2023, and Aleksandre Loladze (GEO), the junior world silver medallist from 2023, leading the charge. Both are highly ranked and expected to perform well in Tallinn. Additionally, Boris Rutovic (SRB), the 2023 cadet European champion, will be looking to make a statement as he transitions to the junior level. With such talent on display, the U81kg category is set to deliver some of the most exciting matches of the day.

As the competition unfolds, the second day of the Junior European Judo Championships in Tallinn will undoubtedly feature thrilling judo and potential upsets, as both seasoned champions and emerging talents battle for supremacy.