As per the male side of the tournament, undoubtedly Russia and Georgia will dominate a few of the podium spots. Who else is out there to strike? Jorre VERSTRAETEN (BEL) won a few medals at the senior stage and all the experience from the elites will be put in action when he enters the tatami in the -60kg category. Senior European Champion 2017, Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE) will continue to rule the -73kg category alongside Martin HOJAK (SLO) who also has already the experience of the elite level. Eduard TRIPPEL (GER) made sure everyone takes note of him when he defeated some of the bigger names in the -90kg category a few months back. Toni MILETIC (BIH) could also peak for a podium spot. Aaron FARA (AUT) began the year by defeating World class athletes in the -100kg category week in and out. Has he got enough left in the tank to excel this weekend? Stephan HEGYI (AUT) won the European Yout Olympic Festival 2 years ago in the +100kg category. Since, he came a long way and ended up defeating Rio 2016 Olympic Silver medallist, HARASAWA Hisayoshi (JPN) at the Senior World Championships last month. Moreover, Hegyi won his first Grand Prix medal two weeks ago in Zagreb. Exactly the same place where he will be competing this upcoming weekend. Will Zagreb be his lucky charm? Starting with the ladies, Marusa STANGAR (SLO) is one of the best shot for Europe in the -48kg category, whilst a weight division above [-52kg category] a strong triad will keep the continent glowing. Namely, Nedazda PETROVIC (SRB), Chelsie GILES (GBR) and Betina TEMELKOVA (ISR). The host nation will be putting a lot of focus on the -57kg category as both Iva OBERAN and Tihea TOPOLOVEC will shine the Croatian flag high as possible. In addition to the host nation’s duet, Kaja KAJZER (SLO) will join the show to try and strong-arm the rest of the World. The -63kg category promises to be dominated by Europe with incredible athletes, some of which already shined their potential at the Senior stage such as Sanne VERMEER (NED) and Andreja LESKI (SLO). Adding to the pair it is key to follow the progress of Lubjana PIOVESANA (GBR) and Jovana OBRADOVIC (SRB). Another Croatian hope will flash in the -70kg category with Karla PRODAN. Yet, the show will most likely to be run by Aleksandra SAMARDZIC (BIH). Within the same weight division Germany could have a venture to seize a medal by Giovanna SCOCCIMARRO. Romane DICKO (FRA) shined with her skills at the Senior World Championships where she won a decision-making contest to earn France a World Team medal. Dicko will continue her progress this weekend in the +78kg category. As per the male side of the tournament, undoubtedly Russia and Georgia will dominate a few of the podium spots. Who else is out there to strike? Jorre VERSTRAETEN (BEL) won a few medals at the senior stage and all the experience from the elites will be put in action when he enters the tatami in the -60kg category. Senior European Champion 2017, Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE) will continue to rule the -73kg category alongside Martin HOJAK (SLO) who also has already the experience of the elite level. Eduard TRIPPEL (GER) made sure everyone takes note of him when he defeated some of the bigger names in the -90kg category a few months back. Toni MILETIC (BIH) could also peak for a podium spot. Aaron FARA (AUT) began the year by defeating World class athletes in the -100kg category week in and out. Has he got enough left in the tank to excel this weekend? Stephan HEGYI (AUT) won the European Yout Olympic Festival 2 years ago in the +100kg category. Since, he came a long way and ended up defeating Rio 2016 Olympic Silver medallist, HARASAWA Hisayoshi (JPN) at the Senior World Championships last month. Moreover, Hegyi won his first Grand Prix medal two weeks ago in Zagreb. Exactly the same place where he will be competing this upcoming weekend. Will Zagreb be his lucky charm? The Junior World Judo Championships 2017 will take place in Zagreb, with over 600 competitors from 87 different nations. The host nation will aim to shine with a squad made of 17 athletes. In 2015, at the latest edition of the Junior Worlds, Europe captured seven gold medals, which of one was from the current host nation, Croatia. Will it exceed this time around? Starting with the ladies, Marusa STANGAR (SLO) is one of the best shot for Europe in the -48kg category, whilst a weight division above [-52kg category] a strong triad will keep the continent glowing. Namely, Nedazda PETROVIC (SRB), Chelsie GILES (GBR) and Betina TEMELKOVA (ISR). The host nation will be putting a lot of focus on the -57kg category as both Iva OBERAN and Tihea TOPOLOVEC will shine the Croatian flag high as possible. In addition to the host nation’s duet, Kaja KAJZER (SLO) will join the show to try and strong-arm the rest of the World. The -63kg category promises to be dominated by Europe with incredible athletes, some of which already shined their potential at the Senior stage such as Sanne VERMEER (NED) and Andreja LESKI (SLO). Adding to the pair it is key to follow the progress of Lubjana PIOVESANA (GBR) and Jovana OBRADOVIC (SRB). Another Croatian hope will flash in the -70kg category with Karla PRODAN. Yet, the show will most likely to be run by Aleksandra SAMARDZIC (BIH). Within the same weight division Germany could have a venture to seize a medal by Giovanna SCOCCIMARRO. Romane DICKO (FRA) shined with her skills at the Senior World Championships where she won a decision-making contest to earn France a World Team medal. Dicko will continue her progress this weekend in the +78kg category. As per the male side of the tournament, undoubtedly Russia and Georgia will dominate a few of the podium spots. Who else is out there to strike? Jorre VERSTRAETEN (BEL) won a few medals at the senior stage and all the experience from the elites will be put in action when he enters the tatami in the -60kg category. Senior European Champion 2017, Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE) will continue to rule the -73kg category alongside Martin HOJAK (SLO) who also has already the experience of the elite level. Eduard TRIPPEL (GER) made sure everyone takes note of him when he defeated some of the bigger names in the -90kg category a few months back. Toni MILETIC (BIH) could also peak for a podium spot. Aaron FARA (AUT) began the year by defeating World class athletes in the -100kg category week in and out. Has he got enough left in the tank to excel this weekend? Stephan HEGYI (AUT) won the European Yout Olympic Festival 2 years ago in the +100kg category. Since, he came a long way and ended up defeating Rio 2016 Olympic Silver medallist, HARASAWA Hisayoshi (JPN) at the Senior World Championships last month. Moreover, Hegyi won his first Grand Prix medal two weeks ago in Zagreb. Exactly the same place where he will be competing this upcoming weekend. Will Zagreb be his lucky charm? 
Judoka
