The lighter categories, girls: -40, -44, -48, -52 kg and boys: -50, -55, -60, -66 kg, opened the Faro ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup 2026 with high-level judo and impressive intensity on the tatami.
Faro is renowned for its excellent weather, attracting thousands of visitors to the Algarve every year, and on the opening day of competition at the Pavilhão Municipal da Penha, athletes and spectators alike experienced the region’s trademark warmth.
Despite the lighter weight categories taking centre stage, there was nothing “light” about the level of competition. Throughout the day, athletes delivered technically sharp performances, high-paced contests, and remarkable determination.
The opening programme brought together 210 male athletes and 113 female athletes, supported by more than 20 referees, alongside organisers and volunteers who helped deliver another successful day of international judo in Portugal.
Italy emerged as the dominant nation, winning six of the eight categories contested and even completing a clean sweep of the -55kg podium.
One of the standout performers was Italian judoka Aurora Ferro, who claimed gold in the -44 kg category. Facing Dutch athlete Fenne Peeters in the final, who was aiming for a third consecutive gold medal, Ferro rose to the challenge and secured the top step of the podium.
At the end of the competition, Ferro reflected proudly on her achievement:
“Last year I won bronze and I was very happy but this year I came for gold. Character, technique, and tactics made the difference.”
Spain also celebrated a strong performance through Hugo Lopez Pereira in the boys’ -50 kg division. The Spanish athlete produced an outstanding run to the final, collecting important victories along the way, including a win against world ranking leader Arthur Bonato (BRA). His campaign ultimately ended with silver after falling to Italy’s Ismael Mehabra in the final.
“It was a good competition. I went contest by contest, without thinking about who was in front of me,” said Lopez Pereira.
One of the defining moments of his day came against the Brazilian favourite:
“In that contest, I went without fear, knowing that the one who had something to lose was him. The pressure was on his side. I am a first-year cadet and I had no pressure at all.”
The medal marked Hugo Lopez Pereira’s first podium finish on the European circuit, achieved close to home. Speaking about what the result meant to him, the Spaniard did not hide his emotions:
“I came wanting to do something important. In the last two competitions, I was winning some contests but something was always missing in the end. Here I came to leave everything on the tatami because it was the last opportunity to qualify for the Europeans. Now I don’t know if I will go to the Europeans but I know I gave everything, the work is done, and the medal is at home.”
On the second and final day of the event, Sunday 24 May, the upper categories will take over, with girls: -57, -63, -70, +70 kg and boys: -73, -81, -90, +90 kg set to enter the competition.
Another exciting day of international judo awaits in southern Portugal. Watch all the action live online via JudoTV.
Author: António da Costa
Author: EJU Media