This week more than 700 of the best young judoka are competing in Croatia’s coast city Poreč for the Junior Europeans Championship for senior talent U23 years.
The championships will be held with exceptional epidemiological measures.
There will be no spectators in the stands of the Intersport hall where in 2012 Porec was also host of the European Junior Championships. In that time Croatia captured three silver medals, by athletes who have become senior athletes.
Strong athletes at the start as Andrea Stojadinov (SRB) highly favoured to win the title U48kg in Croatia. French Faiza Mokda could face Naomi van Krevel (NED) in the final U52kg. Another Serbian Marica Perisic impressed at senior level, but can still compete at Junior level U57kg.
A beautiful display of sportsmanship from Bozhidar Temelkov 🇧🇬 and @hifumi110 🇯🇵 Fantastic examples of our beautiful sport!#JudoDüsseldorf #Judo #Sport #Olympics #Düsseldorf #Germany
©️ IJF Media Team – Robin Willingham pic.twitter.com/1xHvLeAQvC— Judo (@Judo) February 21, 2020
Szofi Ozbas is the biggest Hungarian ace and may win the U63kg category but is in a tough pool with other youngsters. Anja Obradovic (SRB) is another strong rival, so the Serbian women have a strong team.
Bozhidar Temelkov U66kg from Bulgaria is returning to the mat after 8-months absence. His injury is finally in the past and the elite judoka is one of the favourites in his category.
Sad is that some countries couldn’t compete such as Great Britain, the Flemish team from Belgium and the strong team of Germany among other nations.
Especially for the women’s tournament that will have an impact, reminds Judo Inside.
