BARBARA MATIĆ: “BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES LINK ME TO THE THIS TOURNAMENT!”

Author: Croatian Judo Federation

Judo is returning to Istria! A record number of competitors are arriving in Poreč for the “Millenium Team European Cadet Cup”. More than 850 judokas from all over the world will compete in the Žatika sports hall from Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th March.

The competition in Croatia from the European Cadet Tour series has once again recorded a large number of entries. How important is the tournament in Croatia for the development of competitors under 18 is shown by the fact that competitors arrive from four different continents, including the national teams of Argentina, Australia, Canada and even the team of Kyrgyzstan, which has only one competitor.

Barbara MATIĆ, who won the tournament in 2009 and 2010 when it was held in Zagreb, also remembers the tournament with a great tradition, which was first held in 2007. The Olympic champion from Paris added:

I have fond memories of the tournament in Zagreb! A tournament of this rank is the first serious step in the careers of boys and girls that will later prepare them for much more serious tasks. It is not only important to win tournaments of this rank, but to use them to the maximum to adjust the quality of your judo. From technical-tactical preparation, physical preparation, but also mental training. The goal is to use this tournament and training camp to be better than yesterday’s self. There is no need to compare yourself with others.

Along with other continents, there are of course the strongest national teams of the old continent, France arrives with 43 competitors, judo nation Georgia comes with 38 competitors, while the most numerous national teams are Israel with 73 competitors and Italy with 75 competitors.

The 18th edition of the tournament in Croatia, was commented with satisfaction by the president of the Croatian Judo Federation, Dr. Sc. SandaČORAK:

We are extremely proud that the National Federations are recognizing the long-standing quality of organizing competitions in Croatia. Another Millennium Team European Cadet Cup in Poreč, a long weekend awaits us. It is a great pleasure for me to extend a warm welcome to everyone on behalf of the Croatian Judo Federation. We have already entered the new Olympic cycle, so don’t be surprised if we see some of these competitors at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers, the European Judo Union, and all the sponsors who have been with us all these years.

Croatia is represented by 107 competitors, 64 of whom are male and 43 female. The draw for the pairs is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Over the years, we have seen many famous names who have competed in the European Cup in Croatia, Olympic champions, World Champions such as Barbara MATIĆ Majlinda KELMENDI, Nora GJAKOVA, Fabio Basile, Daria BILODID and many others:

2007

U48kg: Majlinda Kelmendi (Gold), Nora Gjakova (Silver)

U63kg: Anamari Velenšek (Gold)

2008

U50kg: Sagi Muki (Gold)

U52kg: Nora Gjakova (Gold)

2009 

U63kg: Barbara Matić (Gold)

U55kg: Fabio Basile (Silver)

2010

U48kg: Odette Giuffrida (Bronze)

U63kg: Barbara Matić (Gold), Miriam Butkereit (Silver)

U81kg: Krisztian Toth (Gold), Mihael Žgank (Silver)

2011

U66kg: Nemanja Majdov (Gold)

2012

U48kg: Andreja Leški (Silver)

U70kg: Annamaria Wagner (U70kg bronze)

U73kg: Nemanja Majdov (Gold)

2013

U48kg: Andreja Leški (Bronze

2014

U44kg: Shirine Boukli (Bronze)

U70kg: Giovanna Scoccimarro (Gold)

U81kg: Matthias Casse (Silver)

2015 

U44kg: Daria Bilodid (Gold), Shirine Boukli (Silver)

2016

U48kg: Daria Bilodid (Gold), Shirine Boukli (Silver)

O70kg: Romane Dicko (Bronze)

2017

U60kg: Willian Lima (Gold)

2018 

U57kg: Lara Cvjetko (Gold)

U81kg: Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou (Silver)

2022

U48kg: Tara Babulfath (Gold)

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