Nina Simic Defeats Laura Vázquez in European Judo Championship Opener

On April 18, 2026, Croatian judoka Nina Simic secured a swift victory over Spanish competitor Laura Vázquez in the opening round of the European Judo Championships. The match, held in the women’s under-63 kilogram category, concluded with Simic achieving an ippon just 90 seconds into the bout.

According to verified reports from Atlantico.net, Simic’s ippon came at 1 minute and 30 seconds of the contest, marking a decisive start to her campaign at the continental tournament. The victory was Simic’s first match in the competition, setting the stage for her subsequent bouts.

Official records from the International Judo Federation (IJF) confirm Simic’s participation and status as a top-ranked athlete in her weight class. As of April 18, 2026, Simic held the 27th position in the world rankings with 1630 points, reflecting her consistent performance on the international circuit.

The IJF profile for Simic details her recent competitive history, including a seventh-place finish at the Tashkent Grand Slam in February 2026 and a fifth-place result at the European U23 Championships in October 2025. These results underscore her experience and readiness for high-level competition.

Laura Vázquez, representing Spain, entered the match as a national contender but was unable to counter Simic’s aggressive approach. The Spanish athlete’s early exit highlights the competitive depth of the European Judo Championships, where even seasoned national representatives face formidable opposition in the opening rounds.

The European Judo Championships, organized by the European Judo Union, serve as a critical qualifier for athletes aiming to compete in major international events. Simic’s victory contributes to her accumulation of ranking points and competitive momentum heading into subsequent tournaments on the global judo calendar.

Looking ahead, Simic is scheduled to compete in the Dushanbe Grand Slam on May 1, 2026, as indicated by her IJF competition schedule. This upcoming event represents her next opportunity to test her form against a strong international field.

For followers of the sport, the European Judo Championships continue to provide a platform for emerging and established athletes to showcase their skills. Simic’s performance exemplifies the high level of technical proficiency and tactical awareness required to succeed at the continental level.

As the tournament progresses, athletes like Simic and Vázquez will aim to build on their experiences, with future competitions offering additional opportunities for growth and achievement in the sport of judo.