In just two weeks’ time, delegations from across Europe will be descending in Bratislava for the European Junior Judo Championships 2025. One of the flagship events on the EJU calendar, it also marks a historic first for Slovakia as host nation.
The official entry deadline is fast approaching and so far 342 judoka from 40 nations have confirmed their place. With 186 men and 156 women entered, the line-up reflects the sport’s growing balance in gender representation. Slovakia itself will be represented by a strong home squad of nine men and five women, ready to step onto the tatami with the backing of the home crowd.
Slovakia’s best junior continental results in the past decade came just last year, when Ema Fiželová (-70kg) and Oliver Scheffel (-100kg) both finished 5th. Thought still seeking to celebrate a podium spot, the progress has been clear to see: stronger performances on the Junior European Cup circuit and the boost of home advantage suggest that Bratislava could be the moment Slovakia finally makes its mark on the medal table.
Three names in particular stand out. Currently sitting at #11 in the Junior World Rankings are Jozef Tomanek (-60kg), Lenka Tománková (-63kg) and Patrícia Tománková (-48kg). The latter, already tipped as one of the brightest prospects in Slovak judo, will be one to watch as she aims to turn home support into golden success.
The venue is almost set. Registration is still open, so check the official outlines and join us in Bratislava, where Europe’s finest young judoka will battle not only for medals, but for the chance to take, in some cases, their first big steps toward the senior stage.
Official Outlines
Images: Kostadin Andonov
Author: Szandra Szogedi