Maribor Sets the Stage for Europe’s Rising Cadet Judoka

Maribor, Slovenia, welcomes the European cadet circuit on 24 and 25 October 2026 as Lukna Hall hosts two days of international Judo competition. The 2026 Cadet European Cup adds another chapter to a city that has repeatedly brought major events and young talent to the tatami.

Maribor’s international Judo story includes the 2002 Senior European Championships at Tabor Hall. Slovenia celebrated two individual bronze medals there, earned by Petra Nareks and Raša Sraka, before the championships ended with the team events. That tournament helped establish the city as a recognised venue for high-level Judo.

The focus moved towards emerging athletes in September 2017, when Lukna Hall staged the Junior European Championships. Klara Apotekar gave the home crowd a standout result by winning the under-78 kg category.

Lukna Hall was back in the spotlight during the 2023 European Youth Olympic Festival, hosting individual and mixed team Judo contests. Nika Tomc won gold at under 57 kg for Slovenia, while Leila Mazouzi secured bronze at under 63 kg. Both athletes have since become European junior champions, taking their respective titles in September this year.

Lukna Hall returns to the European Judo calendar with cadet athletes in focus.

Maribor also hosted a Junior European Cup at Tabor Hall last year. Gal Blažič collected silver for Slovenia, while Urh Ogrizek, Haya Veinhandl Obaid and Gabriel Lipič each took bronze. The event benefited from strong spectator support, and the organisers hope that energy carries into this weekend’s cadet competition.

Slovenian Judo Federation General Secretary Aljaž Sedej said Maribor has received positive feedback from participants at previous events. He also highlighted the value of giving young athletes international experience and raising the level of cadet Judo in Slovenia.

Following the European Cup, the programme will continue with an international training camp from 26 to 28 October. For the cadets arriving in Maribor, the weekend offers a place on a stage already shaped by Slovenian medal winners, junior champions and major European events.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union