The Stožice Arena, in the heart of Ljubljana, already has countless memories etched into its walls and the opening day of the European Judo Open Ljubljana 2026 added several more to that story. From the very first finals, it was clear that this edition would be fiercely competitive. The overall medal table tells its own story: no fewer than 19 nations secured at least one medal on day one, underlining the depth and diversity of talent on display.
At the top of the standings sits Uzbekistan, leading the way with two gold medals and one bronze. The host nation follows with one gold and one silver, while Italy and Hungary currently share third place, each having collected one gold and one bronze medal. Let’s take a closer look at how those medals were won…
-63kg category
The first final of the day delivered exactly the bout the home crowd had hoped for in the -63kg category, as Kaja Kajzer (SLO) faced Esmigul Kuyulova (KAZ). The dominance of the Slovenians in this division speaks for itself and that inevitably placed a measure of pressure on Kajzer. She responded in style, imposing a commanding left-sided grip from the outset and immediately forcing Kuyulova onto the defensive.
Kuyulova quickly read the situation, seizing control of Kajzer’s left sleeve and beginning to apply pressure of her own with sharp, left-sided drop seoi-nage attempts. The contest swung back and forth, neither athlete willing to concede an inch.
With less than a minute of regular time remaining, Kajzer came close to scoring in ne-waza, an area in which Slovenian judoka traditionally excel and take great pride. Then, in the dying seconds of regulation time, she produced the decisive moment: a perfectly timed ouchi-gari attack for yuko, proving she can deliver when it matters most.
Gold for Slovenia and what a way to open the final block of the first competition day. Bronze medals were secured by Ariela Sanchez Benitez (ESP) and Joni Geilen (NED).
-60kg category
The host nation’s momentum continued into the -60kg final, with further local interest centred on David Starkel (SLO), who faced Samariddin Kuchkarov (UZB) for the gold medal.
Starkel brought confidence into the contest, fresh from his impressive seventh-place finish at last week’s Paris Grand Slam and immediately looked sharp, focusing on precise and disciplined kumi-kata exchanges. The Slovenian crowd sensed another golden opportunity.
However, Kuchkarov had other plans. In a sudden and explosive shift of momentum, he launched a dynamic soto-maki-komi that caught Starkel decisively. The referee signalled ippon and the arena fell momentarily silent as victory was awarded to the Uzbek judoka. Silver for Slovenia but a statement performance nonetheless. Bronze medals were claimed by Nuradil Alzhan (KAZ) and Jonathan Yang (USA).
-70kg category
The -70kg final brought together multiple IJF World Tour medallist Dena Pohl (GER) and first-time European Open finalist Ema Fizelova (SVK). On paper, Pohl carried the greater experience and by the halfway point of the contest, that advantage began to show.
Fizelova initiated with a somewhat tentative uchi-mata attempt but Pohl reacted with composure well beyond doubt. Casually stepping clear of the attack, she immediately capitalised on her opponent’s compromised balance. Demonstrating sharp te-waza awareness and timing, Pohl drove through the opening to score ippon in decisive fashion. A clinical performance from the German judoka and a valuable first ever European Open medal for Fizelova. Bronze medals were secured by Anastasiia Antipina (UKR) and Olha Tsimko (UKR).
-66kg category
Uzbekistan continued its strong presence in the finals, this time in the -66kg category, where Dilshodbek Hamroyev (UZB) faced Marko Jorgic (SRB) for victory. From the opening exchange, Hamroyev’s speed was unmistakable. Sharp, explosive and relentless in transition, he kept the pressure high and found success repeatedly throughout the contest. His attacking variety proved decisive, seoi-otoshi, o-soto-gari and yoko-sumi-gaeshi all contributing to a dominant performance. It was a comprehensive display of dynamic judo, securing yet another gold for Uzbekistan. Bronze medals were claimed by Federico Ninfo (ITA) and Matija Jeremic (SRB).
-78kg category
The -78kg final saw Anna Kazakova (UKR) take on Shelley Ludford (GBR), both athletes well acquainted with the European Open podium. Their experience was evident from the outset, with confident and composed exchanges in tachi-waza, neither willing to overcommit.
However, once the contest transitioned to ne-waza, Ludford revealed an entirely different dimension to her game, one of control, authority and clinical precision. Securing an osae-komi of absolute solidity, she left Kazakova with no room to manoeuvre and no route of escape.
It marked a milestone moment for the British judoka, who claimed her first European Open gold medal, adding to an already impressive collection of five medals from continental opens. Bronze medals were secured by Emma Feuillet-Nguimgo (FRA) and Mariam Tchanturia (GEO).
-73kg category
Gabor Aron (HUN) and Muhammed Demirel (TUR) went head-to-head for gold in the -73kg category, a final that exploded into action from the very first exchange.
A powerful seoi-nage attempt from the Hungarian immediately unsettled Demirel. As they transitioned into ne-waza from the attack, Gabor reacted instinctively, capitalising on a split second of inattention from his opponent. With sharp awareness and fluid movement, he rolled Demirel into osae-komi in style, a turnover reminiscent of the technique that brought multiple titles to the legendary Hungarian judoka, Ungvári Miklós.
Less than a minute into the contest, it was all over. Gabor Aron was declared the winner of the final and crowned gold medallist of the tournament in emphatic fashion. Bronze medals were claimed by Elbek Tojiev (UZB) and Uveges Attila (HUN).
+78kg category
The final contest of the day saw Safa Soliman (EGY) and Erica Simonetti (ITA) go head-to-head for gold. Both athletes had previously stood on top of the Continental Open podium and expectations were evenly matched as they stepped onto the tatami.
The bout began cautiously, tension evident from the first grip exchange. It wasn’t long before both judoka received a penalty apiece, neither able to establish clear dominance. As regular time drew to a close, the pressure intensified. Simonetti picked up a second penalty, only for Soliman to receive her own second shido with just two seconds remaining on the clock.
Back to square one and into golden score. The deadlock continued deep into extra time, stretching close to four minutes, with fatigue and nerves playing their part. Ultimately, it was Soliman who received her third and final penalty, bringing the contest to an end and handing the gold medal to Simonetti. Bronze medals were secured by Thauana Silva (BRA) and Gabrielle Bouvier (BEL).
Missed the action? All contests are available to watch on-demand via JudoTV.com. View our complete photo gallery at the following link, and follow @europeanjudo across all social media platforms for highlights and updates.
Author: Szandra Szogedi