The judo world held its breath as the 2025 Zagreb Grand Prix kicked off in Croatia’s capital, marking a thrilling return of the IJF World Tour to this vibrant city. But here’s where it gets exciting: Day 1 was a showcase of European dominance, with athletes from across the continent leaving their mark on the mats of Arena Zagreb. The electrifying atmosphere was palpable as young fans, brimming with enthusiasm, cheered on their judo heroes in a spectacle of skill and determination.
In the -48 kg category, Spain’s Eva PEREZ SOLER stole the spotlight, clinching her first-ever Grand Prix gold medal. Her victory over Laura ESPADINHA was sealed with two decisive yuko scores, a testament to her precision and strategy. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about winning; it’s about the journey to that first gold, a milestone that defines a judoka’s career. IJF President Marius VIZER was on hand to present the medals, adding a touch of prestige to the moment.
The -60 kg final was a French affair, with Enzo JEAN and Romain VALADIER PICARD battling it out in a nail-biting contest. The match was decided in the final minute by a single yuko, showcasing JEAN’s clever counter-attacking skills. Controversially, some argue that such close matches highlight the need for more nuanced scoring systems—what do you think? Vladimir BARTA, IJF Head Sport Director, awarded the medals, celebrating the French dominance in this weight class.
At -52 kg, Distria KRASNIQI was unstoppable, sweeping aside all challengers, including her long-time rival Reka PUPP. Her victory extended her head-to-head record against PUPP to an impressive 8-1, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with. But here’s a thought: Does dominance in rivalries stifle competition, or does it elevate the sport? Mohammed MERIDJA, IJF Education & Coaching Director, presented her medal, acknowledging her exceptional performance.
The -66 kg category saw Spain’s David GARCIA TORNE claim a thrilling victory over Italy’s Elios MANZI. GARCIA TORNE’s unorthodox style proved to be a game-changer, leaving his opponent scrambling to keep up. This raises a question: Is unconventional judo the future of the sport, or does tradition still hold the key? Tina TRSTENJAK, IJF Referee Director, awarded the medals, celebrating the Spaniard’s innovative approach.
In the -57 kg division, Serbia’s Marica PERISIC secured her third Grand Prix gold, overpowering Croatia’s Ana Viktorija PULJIZ. But here’s where it gets controversial: While PERISIC’s victory was undeniable, some fans argue that home-ground advantage should play a bigger role in such tournaments. Croatian Judo Federation President Sanda CORAK presented the medal, acknowledging PERISIC’s dominance.
Day 1 concluded with the Croatian team looking strong, but the real test lies ahead with the middle-weights set to take center stage. And this is the part most people miss: With big stars vying for gold, tomorrow promises even more drama and excitement. Who will rise to the occasion? Let the debates begin—share your thoughts in the comments below!
