Author: František Šmehlík
The historic spa town of Teplice will once again welcome the rising stars of European judo this weekend, 28–29 March. The Teplice ‘Millennium Team’ European Cup has been held since 2008, when the event was first relocated from its previous host city, Jičín. According to the current entry list, 769 athletes from 34 countries are expected to compete on the tatami this year. Expectations from the host nation are high, not least because Czech judo is currently benefiting from a strong cadet generation.
From the two European Cups attended so far this season, in Rome and Šamorín, the Czech team has returned with a total of 15 medals, including four gold. “We have had fairly solid preparation and some of the boys appear to be in very good form. Nevertheless, we must take into account that Teplice will be the most competitive tournament we have faced so far this year, not only in terms of numbers but above all in quality,” said Pavel Kytýr, assistant coach of the Czech cadet boys’ national team.
“I expect an outstanding show, particularly in the -73kg category,” added head coach and London 2012 Olympian Jaromír Musil. “We have two medallists from last year’s European Championships in this weight category, along with several other athletes we expect to rely on next season.”
The -73kg category will feature current world number one Adam Rusňák, silver medallist from the 2025 cadet European Championships in Skopje. Another key home contender is Tomáš Otevřel, who claimed bronze at last year’s cadet European Championships in the -66kg category. This season, Otevřel has proven his readiness to compete among the elite in a higher weight category, finishing third in Rome and taking gold in Šamorín. In Teplice, he will defend last year’s gold medal, which he won in the -66kg division. “An all-Czech final in the -73kg category would be a dream come true,” said Pavel Volek, President of the Czech Judo Federation. However, Rusňák and Otevřel will face strong competition, led by world number three Giorgi Mtchedlishvili (GEO) and 2025 European Championships bronze medallist George Noges (EST), who defeated both Czech athletes in Rome this February.
High expectations also surround the +90kg category, where Melichar Škoda will compete. The winner of this year’s European Cups in Rome and Šamorín, and fifth-place finisher at last year’s Cadet World Championships, will be defending his gold medal from Teplice, just like Otevřel.
The home team also looks to the women’s categories for medal prospects. Dominika Gračová is a gold medallist from the European Cups in Győr and Rome. Head coach of the Czech cadet women’s team and two-time Olympian Andrea Pokorná believes her athlete is capable of achieving a podium result on home soil.
“The Cadet European Cup in Teplice is, for me personally, the highlight of the domestic season. Last year, we celebrated a historic success here with two gold medals and this year we aim to build on those performances. Our primary objective is not only to fight for medals but above all to increase the number of judoka who meet the qualification criteria for the Cadet European and World Championships. Competing on home tatami must serve as a springboard for our young talents towards the season’s major events,” concluded Pavel Volek.
Teplice is set for an exciting weekend ahead. Follow the event live online via JudoTV.
Author: EJU Media