It was a scorcher in Paks, both in temperature and tatami tempers, as the ASE Sports Hall buzzed with action on the opening day of the 2025 Junior European Cup. With throws flying and ambitions soaring, it was the team representing the International Judo Federation (IJF) who took centre stage, grasping three golds, three silvers, and six bronzes to sit comfortably atop the medal table.
Israel followed closely, collecting two golds and two bronzes, while Uzbekistan slotted into third place with a tidy haul of one gold, two silvers and two bronzes. With the junior calendar hitting peak velocity, every contest counts, especially for those still vying for selection to September’s junior European Championships.
One such hopeful is Francesco Sampino (ITA), who clinched silver in the -60kg category. Despite already dipping his toes into the senior circuit, and marking a podium spot there too, the 19-year-old remains laser-focused on securing his junior continental berth. His was Italy’s only medal of the day, and one would hope that alone might tip the selection scales in his favour. Yet, there was a tinge of regret in his reflections.
“Today was a good day, but I wasn’t satisfied with the silver medal. I mean, I was satisfied with making the final, and that wasn’t a good thing,” Sampino admitted. “In any case, I want to dedicate this medal to my coach at Fiamme Gialle, Salvatore Ferro, and to my first and club coach, Fabrizio Fantauzzo. I would really like to go to the European Championships, but my place hasn’t been confirmed yet.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Kerem Primo stormed to victory in the -63kg category and with her selection for the Europeans already in the bag, Saturday’s gold was all about preparation. She looked unshakable throughout, not conceding a single score across her bouts, even after a knock to the eye during the day.
“My eye hurts now, but today I felt good, better than in my last competition. I’m happy to win, even though I got injured, and I think I did well today. So yes, I’m happy,” said Primo, blinking through the pain with a smile.
Also commanding attention was Uzbekistan’s Dilshodbek Hamroyev, who lived up to his top seed status in the -66kg category. Ranked third in the junior world standings, the 20-year-old came into Paks riding a wave of back-to-back continental cup victories. His run to the final was clinical, untouched until the dying seconds of regulation time, when Pavel Koloverdov (IJF) levelled the scoreboard. Extra time beckoned, and Hamroyev turned to his tactical toolbox, forcing two penalties on his opponent to secure the win.
“I felt so happy. Thank you so much to all the people who supported me,” he beamed. “This medal is the main medal for me. If this is the case, my next medal will be the gold. I’m aiming to win first place at the junior World Championships.”
As the sun sets on a fiery first day, all eyes now turn to Sunday. The final day of the Paks Junior European Cup kicks off at 9:00am (CET). Catch every moment live on JudoTV.com.
Images: Bor Veronika
Author: Szandra Szogedi