The countdown is almost over. With the start of the Ljubljana European Open 2026 fast approaching, anticipation is building day by day in Slovenia’s capital. Stožice will once again host world-class international judo, and the tension ahead of the competition is rising – among both the organizers and the athletes.

A strong international field will take to the tatami, while the Slovenian national team will have the opportunity to showcase their best performances in front of a home crowd. A fantastic atmosphere, packed stands and closely contested bouts decided by the smallest details are expected.

For Slovenian judokas, competing at home carries special significance. In addition to the sporting challenge, it brings extra energy – and extra pressure. Kaja Kajzer felt this last year, when she competed in the -63 kg category at this event for the first time:

“I definitely want a better result than last year, when it was my first competition in the -63 kg category. Now I’m fully adjusted to the new category, I feel more energetic, I enjoy training more and I’m able to do more things. I really feel very good in the new weight class.”

The 26-year-old from Ljubljana sees this year’s home competition more as additional motivation than pressure:

“I want to deliver a strong performance in front of the home fans, as many of them can’t travel abroad to support me, where I mostly compete. It will be nice to wake up in my own bed and eat my own food, so I really can’t wait for the competition.”

Kajzer also vividly remembers the first major judo event she experienced in Stožice nearly 13 years ago – although in a very different role:

“In 2013, at the Junior World Championships in Stožice, I was carrying the baskets. Even back then it all felt ‘wow’ to me, which is why I’m even more excited to compete in Stožice now.”

Her club teammate Martin Hojak shares similar thoughts, highlighting the importance of home support and the special feeling of competing in front of Slovenian fans:

“I’m most looking forward to competing in Stožice. The atmosphere was fantastic last year, and in my opinion it will be ten times better this year. It means a lot to me that the competition is at home and that I can sleep in my own bed – that’s a real rarity. Having the event in Stožice is absolutely a motivation, but also additional pressure. It’s a double-edged sword – sometimes I perform very well under pressure, and sometimes mistakes happen because of it. I’ll give everything to make sure that doesn’t happen this time.”

“It’s a great privilege to compete at home. It’s very rare to have the chance to fight at such a major international event in Slovenia, let alone in Ljubljana. A medal would be fantastic, but just competing is already a huge privilege for me. I hope to deliver strong performances and that the fans won’t be disappointed – and if a medal comes, it will just be the icing on the cake,” added Hojak, who will be one of 31 Slovenian judokas competing this weekend in Slovenia’s largest arena.

When the lights come on on Saturday morning, everything will be set for another judo celebration. Expectations are high, the competition is fierce, and the home athletes are more motivated than ever.

Come to Stožice and support the Slovenian judokas. Admission is free.