Author: Žiga Košec
Only a few days remain before it all begins. Ljubljana has entered the week in which it will host one of the largest judo competitions in Slovenia’s history, the Ljubljana European Open, set to take place for the first time in the country’s largest arena, Stožice.
While Stožice previously welcomed a major judo event in 2013, when the Junior World Championships were held in the capital, this time the spotlight will shine on the very best senior competitors. The second edition of the Ljubljana European Open represents an upgrade on every level, not only in terms of venue but also participation. After 419 athletes from 31 countries competed in Ljubljana last year, this weekend, more than 500 judoka from over 40 nations are expected to step onto the tatami.
Experienced national team members and promising young talents will go head-to-head, all chasing valuable world ranking points while testing their readiness in exceptionally strong competition. For many, this will also mark their first major test in a year when qualification points for the next Summer Olympic Games begin to be collected from June.
Slovenian judo fans will have plenty to cheer for, with 31 local judoka aiming to surpass last year’s results from the inaugural Ljubljana European Open, where Kaja Schuster and Nika Tomc secured medals for Slovenia. Both will compete again this year, alongside Igor Tsurkan, who claimed silver under the Ukrainian flag last season and will now make his first international appearance representing Slovenia.
Among the more experienced members of the Slovenian team, special mention goes to two-time European silver medallist Kaja Kajzer, who debuted in the −63kg category at last year’s Ljubljana European Open before going on to win two medals on the World Judo Tour later in the season.
With an impressive tally of 12 medals from senior European Cups, David Štarkel will also be one to watch as he targets his first podium finish at Continental Open level, and, on home soil. A 7th place finish at this year’s Paris Grand Slam provides a strong confidence boost for the 10-time consecutive Slovenian national champion ahead of Ljubljana.
Long-time national team member Martin Hojak arrives with five medals from senior Continental Opens and renewed confidence after claiming bronze at the Grand Prix in Guadalajara last October. The same applies to Nace Herkovič, winner of last year’s European Open in Sarajevo, who will be aiming to repeat that success in front of a home crowd.
In Sarajevo, Nika Tomc celebrated victory for the second consecutive year, while Leila Mazouzi once again secured bronze. This time, Mazouzi will be chasing her first medal at this level on home soil. Slovenian judoka have already claimed two Continental Open medals this year, in addition to Štarkel, Jevgenija Gajić earned bronze in Casablanca, continuing her steady rise in senior competition and on the world ranking list.
The excitement, however, will extend beyond the tatami. Organisers have prepared a rich accompanying programme, highlighted by a ceremonial moment scheduled for Saturday before the final block, when Ljubljana will pay tribute to Olympic champion Andreja Leški. The 29-year-old from Koper, who closely follows the progress of young Slovenian judoka, is delighted they will have the opportunity to compete at home:
“This is a great opportunity for Slovenian judoka. For many, it will be their first competition of this size, so competing at home, where they can sleep in their own beds, will make things easier. Of course, a home event also brings some pressure but if you want to be among the best, you have to learn how to deal with that as well. Regardless of the results, I hope they will take this experience with them and use the competition as a stepping stone. I am really looking forward to the event in Ljubljana and hope Stožice will be as full as possible.”
Only a few days remain until the start of a true judo spectacle, one that may also reveal the next generation of Slovenian stars, athletes who could one day follow in the footsteps of Andreja Leški.
Watch the event live online via JudoTV.com, and catch all the behind-the-scenes content on our social media channels: @europeanjudo.
Author: EJU Media