Kajzer Claims Home Gold to Headline Ljubljana Opening Day

The European Open in Ljubljana opened with a busy first day across seven weight classes, producing a clear mix of regional strength and standout European performances. Uzbekistan finished top of the table with two golds and a bronze, but European athletes supplied many of the headline moments for the home crowd. Kaja Kajzer provided the emotional highlight in the women’s U63kg (38 competitors), taking Slovenia’s home gold with composed, controlled judo. Hungary also shone: Aron Gabor won the men’s U73kg and team-mate Attila Uveges added bronze. Italy picked up gold through Erica Simonetti in the women’s +78kg, while Germany’s Dena Pohl topped the women’s U70kg. Great Britain’s Shelley Ludford claimed the U78kg title. On the men’s side Uzbekistan was strong early, with Samariddin Kuchkarov (U60kg) and Dilshodbek Hamroyev (U66kg) taking golds, but several European judoka also reached the podiums, including Federico Ninfo and others. After day one, the event showcased both Uzbekistan’s dominance and a broad European presence across the medal table. Source: undefined