Kajzer and Schuster Carry Slovenia’s Hopes at Ljubljana European Open

The European Open in Ljubljana returns on 14–15 February 2026 for its second edition in Slovenia, underscoring the country’s growing role on the judo map. The provisional entry list counts 504 judoka from 44 nations (291 men, 213 women). Germany brings the largest squad with 36 athletes; Kazakhstan, Slovenia and Spain each have 31, followed by Hungary (30) and France (29). Competition is split across two days: Saturday features men’s U60, U66 and U73kg plus women’s U63, U70, U78 and +78kg, while Sunday hosts men’s U81, U90, U100 and +100kg and women’s U48, U52 and U57kg. The deepest pools are men’s U73kg (61) and U81kg (57); on the women’s side U57kg (45) and U63kg (39) stand out. Slovenia will look to its top seeds Kaja Kajzer and Kaja Schuster to convert strong recent form into home glory. Kajzer’s résumé includes Fifth at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, Grand Prix in Tel Aviv in 2020 and multiple European and Grand Prix medals. Schuster’s path from Cadet European Cup Teplice 2021 to Junior World Championships medals and Bronzemedaillen at Grand Prix Linz 2025 highlights her rise. The final draw is set for Friday, promising two busy days of high-level judo.
Source: judo inside.com