-48 kg: Twarowska Chasing Gold
World number one and European cadet champion in Skopje, Barbara Twarowska (POL) enters as the frontrunner. However, she will face stiff competition from Clarice Ribeiro (BRA) and Rika Hirose (AUS), both highly ranked. Azerbaijan, a team which impressed on day one with three golds, could once again spring a surprise via Narmin Aghamirzazade. With 39 athletes entered, podium places will be hard-won.
-60 kg: Azerbaijan Leading the Pack, Algeria Looking to Bounce Back
Zeyd Alasgarov (AZE) comes in as the clear favourite, bolstered by his team's momentum. Algeria, still seeking its first medal after a day one without medals, pins their hopes on second seed Mohamed Amine Degouah. Keep an eye on Tsotne Ichkitidze (GEO) and Diego Garcia Ramirez (DOM) who could well shake things up.
-52 kg: Morocco’s Rising Star
Young Amina Alaoui Cherifi (MAR), a junior African Championship finalist despite still being a cadet, is a strong medal contender, but she’ll have to overcome Valeriia Kozlova (IJF), a triple gold medallist in 2025. Pan-American hopes rest on Nicole Marques (BRA) and Melody Grenier (CAN), both capable of a deep run.
-66 kg: Jankovic Leads, but Competition is Wide Open
In the -66 kg category, Serbia’s Boris Jankovic, fresh from his gold-medal-winning performance at the 2025 EYOF, is one to watch. However, Rakhim Khamkhoev (IJF), Connor Gallant (CAN) and Agustin Ledesma (PAR) are all potential spoilers looking to make their mark.
With high-stakes contests and emerging stars, day two promises to deliver even more drama and excitement. The Bulgarian crowd, already captivated by day one, is in for another judo feast, commencing at 8:30 am.