The wait is nearly over as Skopje prepares to welcome Europe’s most promising cadet judoka for the Millennium Team European Judo Championships Cadets 2025. With just a day remaining until the official draw, the capital of North Macedonia is buzzing. Teams from across the continent have arrived, bringing with them a new generation of fearless athletes, all determined to make their mark on the European stage.
Leading the charge on the boys’ side are two world ranking leaders: Boris Jankovic (SRB/-66kg), 2024 cadet world and European bronze medallist, and Majus Genys (LTU/-90kg), who secured a cadet European silver medal last season. Both arrive in top form, determined to turn past podium finishes into gold in Skopje. Not far behind, Azerbaijan boasts a powerful pair of world #2: Subhan Akhundov (+90kg), 2024 European silver medallist, and Zeyd Alasgarov (-60kg), a triple cadet European Cup champion. Both will be serious threats as the competition unfolds.
The list of top contenders continues with world #3 Tajus Babaicenko (LTU/-81kg), a ten-time continental cup medallist, and Axel Cuq (FRA/-50kg), who has already claimed five continental cup medals to his name. Positioned as world #4, Szekeres Abel (HUN/+90kg) and Veljko Varnicic (SRB/-73kg), both eager to climb even higher in Skopje.
The host nation is set to unleash eight determined athletes, each set on to make the most of home advantage and fight for podium places. In 2024, Poland topped the overall medal table in the individual events, followed closely by Serbia and Germany. As the stage is set for another thrilling edition, the burning question remains: who will seize the most glory this year?
Join us live on judoTV.com and follow all the behind-the-scenes action via social media @europeanjudo as Europe’s rising stars battle for supremacy in Skopje!
Author: Szandra Szogedi