Kaunas erupts as Polikevičius turns a bold final gamble into home gold

Day one of the Kaunas Junior European Cup 2026 flew by with intensity from the opening contests to the last final. Athletes from 24 nations delivered a high standard of judo, and the medal matches brought the kind of emotion that makes junior events so gripping.

From a European perspective, the standout home story belonged to Simas Polikevičius. The Lithuanian became the first judoka from the host nation to win gold at this edition of the event, giving the crowd in Kaunas a moment it will remember. It was the kind of result that lifted the whole arena.

Polikevičius faced Oleksandr Martynchuk in the final, a rival he already knew from their cadet years. Looking back, the Lithuanian said Martynchuk had been quicker and stronger back then. Over time, though, he learned more about his opponent’s style and found the way he wanted to answer it.

That made the rematch especially interesting. Polikevičius said he felt calm before the bout and believed they had similar strengths. When the key moment arrived, he chose to take a risk with his technique, and that decision carried him to the top of the podium.

The loudest moment in Kaunas came when the home gold was secured.

There were other impressive winners too. Daria Boichenko of Ukraine claimed gold at -63 kg after a day that ended with a demanding final against Sofia Pekki. Boichenko said she had hoped for gold, but had not expected it, and admitted that the final was her toughest contest because of the pressure.

In the men’s -60 kg category, Armenia’s Shavarsh Nahapetyan also left a strong impression. After taking gold, he spoke about the emotional side of defeating a close friend in the final, saying it is never easy when the person across from you is someone you train and learn with.

Beyond the medal table, the opening day showed the depth of emerging European judo. The tatami was full of commitment, sharp technique and visible team spirit. Day two now brings the remaining weight categories.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union