Ukrainian Cadets Take Charge as Europe Lights Up Poreč

Day one of the “Millennium Team” Cadet European Cup in Poreč was all about Ukraine’s young judoka. With three gold, two silver and three bronze medals, they climbed straight to the top of the overall medal table and sent a clear message to the rest of Europe.

Israel also delivered a powerful start, collecting two gold, two silver and three bronze medals to stay close in the race. Italy followed in third place with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals, showing impressive depth across the categories. Once again, Poreč confirmed its status as one of the key stages for Europe’s rising judo talents.

Young European judoka turned Poreč into a showcase of future stars.

The atmosphere in Sport Hall Zatika was intense, with flags from 29 nations filling the stands. Croatian hope Valentina Zivkovic (-52kg) came agonisingly close to securing the host nation’s first medal but lost the bronze medal contest to Italy’s Matilda Mariello. Even without a home podium, the energy in the hall stayed high from the first grip to the final bow.

Officials praised the organisation and the special judo culture in Poreč. Croatian Judo Federation President Sanda Corak and Poreč Mayor Loris Peršurić underlined how important the event is for the city and its connection to the sport. European Judo Union Sports Director Alessandro Comi also congratulated the organisers and backed the event to maintain its high standards through the weekend.

On the tatami, Ukraine and Italy were everywhere you looked. In the -50kg category, Zoreslav Semenenko took gold in an all-Ukrainian final against Timur Pidkipnyy, while Italy’s Ismael Mehabra defeated teammate Ruben Lattanzi for bronze. At -55kg, Israel dominated with Omer Mor Barak and Guy Shreberk taking gold and silver, and Ukraine’s Vitalii Lykhohliad adding another bronze for his team.

Ukraine’s Sofia Palamarenko topped the -40kg category, beating Italy’s Giada Tursi in the final, while in -48kg Italy’s Aurora Montalbano claimed bronze against Ukrainian judoka Tetiana Hlushchenko. The action continues on Sunday from 9:00am CET, with live coverage on JudoTV.com, before many of the young athletes stay on for a three-day training camp in Poreč.

Source: EJU_News