-73kg: Will a new champion be crowned?
The reigning junior world champion, Keito Kihara of Japan, has returned to defend his title from 2024. While he appears to be the favourite on paper, 2025 Dushanbe Grand Slam winner Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK) will believe he can improve on his bronze medal from 2024.
The British duo, current junior European champion Irakli Goginashvili and his teammate Benjamin Levy who has claimed 2 junior European cup gold medals this year, will believe they can continue their strong form in 2025. Africa’s hopes lie with the current junior African champion Abdeslam Belbelhout from Algeria.
-81kg: No clear favourite provides opportunity for a breakthrough
In a category which appears inundated with European talent, junior Asian champion Samariddin Muxibiddinov of Uzbekistan will have a tough task on his hands to fend off contenders. Serbia’s junior European champion Mihajlo Simin will look to continue his strong form, as will junior European medallists Szymon Szulik (POL), Inaki Baztan Merchan (ESP) and Akhmed Turluev (IJF).
Desperate to return to the world podium in Lima, is 2024 junior European champion and world medallist Suleyma Shukurov (AZE). Looking to bounce back from a disappointing European championships, he will be one to follow.
-63kg: Can India create history?
World number 1 and junior Asian champion Himanshi Tokas of India will be hoping to improve on her 5th place finish from Dushanbe in 2024. Joined by teammate and 2022 cadet world champion Linthoi Chanambam, India will be full of hope that their flag will hang atop the podium in Lima. A number of contenders will be hot on their heels, including Paris 2024 Olympian and junior European champion Savita Russo (ITA), 2025 cadet world medallist Ilariia Tsurkan (SLO) and Israel’s Kerem Primo.
Rounding out the challengers will be junior Pan-American Games champion Eduarda Bastos of Brazil and reigning junior world bronze medallist So Morichika (JPN).
-70kg: European strength takes on Asian talent
The number 1 seed and 2024 junior world silver medallist April Lynn Fohouo of Switzerland will be desperate to take the next step in Lima. Joined by a host of European talent, including FISU World University Games silver medallist Teophila Darbes-Takam (FRA) and current junior European champion Ecem Baysug (TUR). Younger sister of senior world number 1 Lara Cvjetko, 2023 EYOF champion Jana Cvjetko will join the European contingent on the hunt for a place on the podium.
2025 Tashkent Grand Slam and FISU World University Games gold medallist Rin Maeda (JPN) will be very difficult to beat and will be followed closely by 2-time junior Asian championship medallist Alina Moldokulova (KGZ).
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