The opening day of the Cadet ‘Millennium Team’ European Cup in Bielsko-Biała delivered high-level judo, emotional victories and intense battles on the tatami as young talents from across the world fought for medals and valuable international experience.
After the opening day of competition, Azerbaijan sits firmly at the top of the medal standings with an impressive haul of eight medals: two gold, two silver and four bronze. Consistent from the first contest to the last, the Azerbaijani team placed athletes on podiums across multiple weight categories, once again underlining their status as one of Europe’s strongest cadet nations.
Kazakhstan follows closely behind in second place after a remarkable display of depth and resilience. Their team collected one gold, two silver and an outstanding seven bronze medals, with numerous judoka fighting their way deep into the final blocks throughout the day.
Israel currently occupies third place in the standings with one gold, one silver and one bronze medal after a confident and successful opening-day performance.
The home crowd in Bielsko-Biała also had plenty to celebrate. Poland ended the day in eighth place overall, earning two silver medals and delivering several spirited performances that kept the local supporters fully engaged inside the arena. While gold narrowly escaped the hosts on day one, the determination and fighting spirit of the Polish team certainly did not go unnoticed.
With another full day of competition still to come, the battle at the top of the medal table remains completely open. Azerbaijan may have stolen the spotlight for now but several nations have already shown they are more than ready to challenge for dominance before the weekend concludes.
Interview – Winner of the -40 kg, Dominika Gracova (CZE)
Q: This must have been a very emotional day for you. How would you describe your feelings?
DG: “I’m very happy and also relieved. After my loss in Berlin, this feels like a comeback for me. Today was a really good day, and I’m proud of myself.”
Q: Judo is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging. What is the hardest part for you mentally?
DG: “Losing is definitely the hardest part, especially in a final or a bronze medal contest. Those moments are very difficult mentally.”
Q: What was harder for you today, the opponents or your own mindset?
DG: “I think my mindset, especially in the final. My opponent was very strong, and mentally it was not easy for me.”
Interview – Winner of the -52 kg, Isabella Stoegmann (AUT)
Q: Your performance today was impressive. What was the key moment for you during the final?
IS: “Thank you. I used a technique that I have practised since childhood. Not many judoka or countries are familiar with it, and I have won many fights with it before. When I saw the opportunity, I decided to go for it.”
Q: Before the first fight of the day, what emotions did you feel stepping onto the tatami?
IS: “I was really happy to compete here because I have had a long history of injuries. It was a back injury, so it was not easy. But I worked hard to return, and I’m very happy to be back competing. I wanted to give everything today. Of course, I was nervous too, especially before the first contest.”
Q: Your technique surprised many people watching. Do you think that unpredictability is one of your strengths?
IS: “Yes, I think so. It can be an advantage when opponents are not expecting it. My techniques depend a lot on getting into the right position and timing.”
Day two of the event will feature the remaining weight categories: girls’ -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg and +70 kg divisions, alongside the boys’ -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg and +90 kg categories. Watch all the action live online via JudoTV and be sure to check out the event gallery.
Authors: Eryk Gaweł & Kacper Gaweł
Author: EJU Media