Antalya breakthrough: Balcı opens cadet season with +70kg gold

Antalya Sports Hall hosted one of the biggest youth judo gatherings of the year as the Antalya ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup brought together 550 athletes from 21 nations. Over two intense days, Europe’s next generation of judoka tested their skills, fought for ranking points and gained crucial international experience. The event once again underlined why the cadet circuit is a key stepping stone toward elite senior level.

The second competition day coincided with International Women’s Day on 8 March, giving the tournament an extra emotional note. Turkish Judo Federation President Sezer Huysuz marked the occasion by presenting flowers to female athletes, referees and staff. He stressed how vital the cadet age group is for building technical foundations and mental resilience. In Antalya, that message was visible in every hard-fought exchange on the tatami.

One of the standout stories came from Turkey’s own Hatice Tuana Balcı in the women’s +70kg category. She battled her way through a tough field and secured the gold medal, a result she sees as the product of years of work and discipline. For Balcı, this victory is more than just a podium moment; it is a personal confirmation that believing in herself through every training session pays off.

Cadet European Cup in Antalya showcases Europe’s rising heavyweights

Her most demanding contest of the day was the semi-final against Nini Dzagania, where the pressure was at its peak. Balcı highlighted the constant backing of her coach, Murat Koca, whose belief helped her stay focused and determined. Even though this was her first event of the year and nerves were present, she stepped onto the mat with a champion’s mindset. After taking gold, she still feels she can raise her level further, seeing this result as an important early step in her 2026 campaign.

Source: EJU_News