This week, attention turns to Zagreb for the IJF Grand Prix, taking place in the home country of Olympic champion Barbara Matić. The recently married judoka will not compete this time as she enjoys a well-deserved break but the Croatian crowd will still have plenty to cheer for, especially world number one Lara Cvjetko, who leads the world ranking List in the -70kg category. Cvjetko will face strong competition in her division, which includes world champion Shiho Tanaka and 2023 world bronze medallist Szofi Ozbas. The total field of participants is 370 among 48 countries.
The women’s field is particularly strong this year. Kosovo’s Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi headlines the -52kg division alongside world bronze medallist Roza Gyertyas and her Hungarian compatriot, and friendly rival, Reka Pupp, who both return to Grand Prix action on the same side of the draw. Blandine Pont of France will try to win another comptition after winning the European Open in Prague in the -52kg category.
In the heavyweight category Croatia’s number one seed Helena Vukovic but as well Dutch Paulien Sweers, the U23 European champion in 2025. Croatia’s own Iva Oberan and Olympic fifth-place finisher Katarina Kristo may also meet in an exciting national clash in the -63kg division, offering local fans another thrilling matchup.
The men’s categories are just as competitive. France’s Romain Valadier-Picard, the 2024 world silver medallist in Budapest, is among the top contenders. In the -81kg category, all eyes will be on Belgium’s Matthias Casse, who returns to the city where he was crowned junior world champion in 2017. Another major name is former world champion Luka Maisuradze of Georgia, who leads a strong -90kg lineup that also includes Greek standout Theodoros Tselidis, both serious medal threats.
Spain fields a powerful team featuring two-time world champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili, now competing at -100kg, while Italy’s Gennaro Pirelli will also be in action on the other side of the draw.
Since its debut in 2014, the Zagreb Grand Prix has built over a decade of rich judo history. How the next chapter unfolds can be seen live this weekend, tune in to JudoTV.com to follow all the action.
Author: Hans Van Essen