The action kicked off with an all-IPPONGEAR final in the -48kg category. Helen Habib (GER) and Aitana Díaz Hernández (ESP) went head-to-head in a gripping showdown. Habib set the tone with relentless Seoi-nage attacks, forcing two shidos against her Spanish rival. But when the contest moved to golden score, Díaz Hernández dug deep. At 3:30 into extra time, she secured a decisive hold-down and crowned herself Junior European Champion 2025.
“My coach, Sugoi Uriarte, told me before I came here, ‘If you can dream, you can achieve it.’ That was my mindset throughout the competition,” Díaz Hernández shared.
Another unforgettable performance came from Mihajlo Simin (SRB) in the -81kg division. His road to the final was packed with highlight throws, and the final itself turned into a tactical battle. With the match hanging in golden score, Simin found his moment – a perfectly timed Ko-uchi-gake for ippon, sealing the gold medal. “The difference today was mental strength,” Simin said. “Physical power is important, but if you’re strong enough mentally, no one can stop you.”
In the -52kg category, Bojana Savic (SRB) showed grit and determination, taking out several top seeds – including Germany’s No.2, Tabea Nika Mecklenburg – to clinch a hard-earned bronze.
Defending champion Sara-Joy Bauer (GER) fought her way back to the -63kg final with trademark dominance. There, she met 2024 Olympian Savita Russo (ITA). Despite Bauer’s relentless attacks, an early Wazari into Osae-komi proved decisive. This time, Bauer secured the silver – still another huge result in her young career.
In the heavyweights, Mortaza Suha (GER) delivered a big performance in the +100kg category. Facing tough competition, he powered through to the final, where he secured silver after a gritty battle. Later, Suha joined forces with Bauer and the rest of Team Germany, helping the squad grab an impressive Mixed Team Bronze Medal.
The medals didn’t stop there. Maria Hanstede (NED), the world No.6, stormed through the -78kg field to reach the final, ultimately earning a brilliant silver medal after a showdown with the reigning champion from France.
In the -100kg final, Jakob Vares (EST) met Milan Bulaja (SRB) for the second year in a row. Once again, Bulaja managed to edge out the victory, but Vares showed outstanding spirit and determination, earning his second consecutive Junior European silver medal.
Adding to Estonia’s success, Emma Aktas (EST) secured a bronze medal in the +78kg category. Fresh off a fifth-place finish at the Senior World Championships in Budapest, Aktas showed confidence and resilience, only falling short to eventual champion Celia Cancan (FRA).
Another unforgettable weekend for Team IPPONGEAR – with European champions, silver medallists, bronzes, and plenty of heart shown on the tatami. Next stop? The Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru – and we can’t wait to see our rising stars shine on the global stage.
