The Senior National Championships for women and men took place in Duplek, where Slovenia's judoka competed for the most prestigious domestic titles in the senior category.
This year's competition once again brought many exciting contests, determined performances and plenty of fighting spirit on the tatami. The Senior National Championships remain one of the key domestic events of the season, bringing together experienced competitors and younger Slovenian judoka who are increasingly making their mark in the senior ranks.
Among the women, the national titles were won by: Kristina Vršič (-48 kg, Judo Club Duplek), Nuša Samec (-52 kg, Judo Club Slovenj Gradec), Nika Tomc (-57 kg, Judo Club Z'Dežele Sankaku), Zarja Mastnak (-63 kg, Judo Club Z'Dežele Sankaku), Nika Koren (-70 kg, Judo Club Bežigrad), Kaja Schuster (-78 kg, Judo Club Bežigrad) and Tara Janjić (+78 kg, Judo Club Ivo Reya).
Among the men, the national titles went to: David Štarkel (-60 kg, Judo Club Impol), Gašper Kokalj (-66 kg, Judo Club Bežigrad), Urh Ogrizek (-73 kg, Judo Club Z'Dežele Sankaku), Aleks Krivec (-81 kg, Judo Club Slovenj Gradec), Aljaž Gostenčnik (-90 kg, Judo Club Slovenj Gradec), Timotej Kos (-100 kg, Judo Club Impol) and Blaž Vrankar (+100 kg, Športno društvo GIB Šiška).
A special milestone was reached in Duplek by David Štarkel, who once again confirmed his dominance in Slovenian judo in the -60 kg category and claimed his 12th senior national title: "12th title, that sounds good. It is always nice to win the national champion title. I can say that this category in Slovenia is really mine, so the feeling is really good."
Despite his long-standing dominance in the category, he remained focused and cautious. As he explained, opponents come and go, some move up to higher categories, while he remains a constant in the -60 kg division: "Yes, that is true, the guys come and go, they move up to higher categories, while I stay here. We know each other from training, so I knew what to expect, but still, the tatami is slippery, anything can happen quickly, so I did not underestimate anyone."
Although this year's Senior National Championships took place slightly later than usual, the timing suited the experienced Slovenian judoka: "To be honest, I did not worry about it. In less than 14 days we first travel to Mongolia, then to China, so this competition came in handy to help me get down to my competition weight."
A busy continuation of the season now lies ahead for him. After the events in Mongolia and China, he is set to compete at the Mediterranean Games at the end of August, followed by the World Championships in October.
Congratulations to all competitors for the fights they delivered, to the new national champions, and to all medal winners for their achievements. Praise also goes to the coaches, clubs and organizers for the successful staging of the national championships in Duplek.
