Author: Mario Krvavac
On the second and final day of the ‘Millennium Team’ European Cadet Cup in Poreč, Croatia celebrated a bronze medal success. Marko Vujica (+90kg) thrilled the home crowd with a determined performance against Imran Muhtari of Bosnia and Herzegovina, earning loud support from the stands. It was a strong weekconclude overall in Poreč for the Italian judoka, while Georgia also impressed on Sunday, fielding six athletes in the final block.
Among the Croatian cadets, Marko Vujica (JK Samobor) has emerged as one of the leading names based on recent results. The 17-year-old secured Croatia’s first medal of this year’s European Cadet Cup in Poreč. In Sunday’s final block, he claimed victory over Muhtari with a confident display. Vujica was the more active athlete throughout the contest, taking the lead with a yuko before forcing his opponent to accumulate three penalties.
“It is a special feeling to perform in front of so many fans, especially when they are so loud. It was a great day with tough fights, but I managed to win. Now we continue preparations at the training camp,” stated Vujica, who launched his day with victories over Romania’s Badea and Italy’s Labate. His only defeat came against Georgia’s Zakutashvili, who went on to claim the gold medal.
“Marko arrived in Poreč with four medals from his last five competitions. It can be clearer to compete in Casablanca than on home tatami, where expectations are high and support is strong. Even in that situation, Marko displayed his quality, followed the tactical plan and deservedly won bronze,” summarised coach Josip Šančić.
Two other Croatian judoka narrowly missed out on bronze medals. Vita Hudika (-70kg) was defeated by Ukraine’s Diana Samoiljuk, while Stela Market (+70kg) lost to Austria’s Michaela Hoellwart.
Georgia and Austria each secured two gold medals on Sunday. Giorgi Mtchedlishvili (-73kg) and Ilia Zakutashvili (+90kg) ensured the Georgian anthem was played, while Felix Scheiber (-90kg) and Selina Woegerer (-70kg) did the same for Austria. Serbia collected one gold medal through Lucia Pavic (+70kg), two silvers (Tijana Zivanovic -70kg and Nina Andric -63kg) and two bronzes (Aleksa Tanasijevic and Ognjen Bojovic, both -73kg).
Following the European Cup, a large number of competitors will remain in Poreč for a three-day training camp. In numerous conversations with coaches and athletes from across Europe, many have highlighted the high quality of organisation, logistics and infrastructure in Poreč and Plava Laguna.
Author: EJU Media
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