Author: António da Costa
The 2026 edition of the Portimão Junior European Cup has come to an end, concluding two days of excitement, adrenaline and high-level judo on Portuguese soil. On this second and final day of competition, seven weight categories were contested: three for women and four for men.
On a particularly symbolic date, International Women’s Day, several athletes in the women’s competition could have taken the spotlight. Ultimately, however, the focus fell on Spain’s Claudia Pla Belmonte, winner of the -48kg category. A familiar face in Portimão, Pla Belmonte once again climbed to the top of the podium, just as she did in 2025. After a less successful outing in her home country last weekend, the victory arrived at the perfect moment to restore confidence and momentum.
“I am very happy, actually. After the competition I had last week in Spain, I didn’t leave very happy and I am glad to leave this competition feeling happy.”
Despite securing gold, the Spanish judoka admitted she did not feel entirely comfortable throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, she managed to overcome every opponent, including the compatriot she faced in the final in a contest between two athletes who know each other extremely well.
“It is complicated because we know each other very well… and the victory could have gone to either of us.”
In the men’s competition, the highlight of the day came from Italy’s Emiliano Rossi, winner of the +100kg category. After defeating all his opponents, the athlete’s joy was evident to everyone present in the arena. With this gold medal, Rossi completes a particularly special journey in Portugal. After winning bronze in Coimbra in 2024 as a cadet and silver in Portimão in 2025 as a junior, the Italian now adds gold to his collection, completing the full set of medals from competitions held in Portugal.
“It is a beautiful thing. It was my goal to complete my set of medals.”
Asked about his ambitions for the rest of the season, Rossi did not hide his determination:
“I will try to win a medal at the European Championships, I think…”
In the final medal standings, the battle for first place was extremely close between Italy and Spain. Both teams finished with four gold and four silver medals but the difference was made in the bronze tally: Italy collected eight, while Spain finished with six. Sweden completed the top three with two gold medals.
In a symbolic gesture marking International Women’s Day, the local organisers presented a yellow rose to every woman present, recognising their role in judo and in society.
The next Junior European Cup will take place in Poznań, Poland, from 28–29 March.
Author: EJU Media