Distria Krasniqi is the first lifter in the 52kg category at the European Judo Championships, which are being held in Podgorica, Montenegro, from Wednesday to Sunday. It is the first major judo championship to be held after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Distria won a silver medal.
It would be a surprise if the Kosovar judoka finished outside the podium in Podgorica. She competes on Wednesday, the first day of the European Championships. In the category up to 52 kilograms, 24 judokas will compete.
Distria is third in the world rankings, but the highest ranked of the participants in the continental championship. Italian Odette Giuffrdia is expected to be the Kosovar’s biggest rival for the gold medal. Distria has faced the experienced Italian 11 times. She has seven wins against her, while she has suffered four losses. Most of the fights between them were very strong. A short while ago, Giuffrida was at a camp in Peja, but she has never faced Distria in training.
Gefen Primo of Israel, Reka Pupp of Hungary and Ariane Toro Soler of Spain are among the other medal contenders in the 52kg category.
But if the 29-year-old Krasniqi is on a good day, the chances of another European title are high. The first in Europe, the judoka from Peja was in 2021 and in 2024.
“In the 52 kg category we have some legendary names, starting with Distria Krasniqi. The Olympic champion from Tokyo and the Olympic silver medalist from Paris, is one of the most consistent athletes. The change of category a few years ago did not make any difference in terms of her efforts for medals and success. Krasniqi is not only aiming for her third European title, but will also aim to defend the title she won last year in Zagreb. According to the rankings, it could be a final with the double Olympic medalist, Giuffrida, the current world champion. The pair have had a rivalry over the last decade. Krasniqi took the advantage five years ago, after suffering defeats in two European senior championships. Last year the final between them was epic. She put a vasari in extra time”, wrote the official website of the European Judo Union.
Kosovo will be represented by only four judokas at the European Championships. Laurina Gashi, who is gaining experience at the adult level, is also competing in the 52 kg category. For Laurina, each victory would be of great value.
On Thursday, Akil Gjakova and Dardan Cena compete in the 73 kg category. Akili is the fourth-placed and a serious contender for a place on the podium, respectively for a medal.
Dardan Cena is not among the medalists, but could be included in the medal race.
Kosovo has important absences at the European Championship. Among other things, due to an injury, Laura Fazliu, the Olympic bronze medalist, is missing.
Kosovo judo coach Driton Kuka expects medals from the European Championships in Podgorica, despite the fact that the team is halved. He said that the judokas are in good shape and that they have had a successful preparatory phase.
Around 420 judokas from 47 different countries are expected at the European Championships.