Author: Ewa Kempka & Eryk Gaweł
Poland maintained its stronghold on the Poznań Junior European Cup 2026 as the second day of competition reinforced the host nation’s depth and consistency. Adding two silver and six bronze medals to an already commanding tally, the home team once again delivered across multiple categories, underlining the strength of its junior programme.
The -48kg division provided an early boost, with Sandra Walendzik and Natasza Potok both securing bronze medals after determined performances throughout the day. At the top of the podium, Slovakia’s Patricia Tomankova confirmed her class with a composed run to gold, combining confidence with valuable experience.
“Today I was in really good form, so I expected myself to win the final. After the fight, it was just pure happiness that I felt.”
That result carried added significance following a challenging period.
“Yes, because lately I had a really difficult period. At my last two tournaments I lost, so this medal is very special for me. My confidence came back today, and I am really happy about this result.”
Tomankova’s composure under pressure proved decisive and her ambitions are firmly set on the next level.
“I already have a lot of experience from tournaments like this, so I know what to expect in the fights and how to deal with the pressure. That comes from many fights and many tournaments.
“I will use this medal as motivation. Now I want to move more into the senior category because the Olympic Games are getting closer, and I want to qualify. This is another important experience for me.”
Poland’s presence remained strong in the -57kg category, where Emilia Bielawska and Marika Moś added further bronze medals, both demonstrating resilience and tactical awareness to secure their podium places.
One of the standout performances for the hosts came in the -81kg category, where Szymon Brzuszczyński advanced confidently to the final, ultimately earning silver after a composed and assured run through the preliminary rounds.
In the -90kg category, Lithuania’s Tajus Baibaicenko delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the day, securing gold in the final seconds of the contest.
“I was absolutely exhausted but I saw that my opponent was also very tired. I used a technique that I practise a lot in training. I managed to trick him and scored a yuko in the last seconds.”
His ability to adapt under pressure proved crucial.
“I usually use that move when the fight lasts for many minutes, so I think it really saved me today.”
While seoi-nage remains central to his approach, versatility is key at this level.
“Yes, my main technique is seoi-nage, the classic ippon seoi-nage but at this level, you have to be able to perform many techniques.
“This is a very strong category, especially at -90kg. I am still a cadet and have one more year in this age group, so competing at junior level is even more challenging. That makes this tournament a very valuable experience for me.”
Further medals for Poland came in the heavier divisions. Mateusz Wacko secured bronze in the -100kg category with a solid and controlled performance, while the +100kg category delivered a double podium finish: Anton Khavhatryan claimed bronze and Daniel Chmielewski progressed to the final to take silver.
With two days of competition completed, Poland has not only dominated the medal standings but also showcased a pipeline of emerging talent capable of delivering consistently on the international stage. The performances in Poznań underline a clear trajectory, one built on depth, discipline and the ability to convert opportunity into results.
A three-day training camp will follow in Poznań, with the majority of delegations remaining on site, as the next European Junior Cup approaches on 11–12 April in Lignano.
Author: EJU Media