KOPRIVNICA, September 29, 2026 – The 2026 Balkan Wrestling Championship for the Under-15 (U15) age division officially commenced today at the “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” School Sports Hall in Koprivnica. On opening day, the top young male and female wrestlers from across the region took to the mats, with Croatian athletes competing in Women’s Wrestling and Greco-Roman divisions.
Following an intense day of high-stakes bouts across the qualification and quarterfinal rounds, the Croatian national team secured eight semifinal berths—five in Women’s Wrestling and three in the Greco-Roman discipline.
In the U15 Women’s Wrestling tournament, Croatia was represented by 12 promising young wrestlers under the guidance of head coach Dinko Kremić and assistant coach Laura Čičković. Competing in weight classes ranging from 42 kg to 66 kg, the squad demonstrated exceptional poise, grit, and technical skill.
Advancing to tomorrow’s semifinals:
Anabela Tašić (up to 42 kg)
Iva Pezić (up to 54 kg)
Petra Toth (up to 58 kg)
Lucija Bencetić (up to 58 kg)
Tia Topić (up to 62 kg)
Hometown talent Petra Toth, a member of Koprivnica’s own Wrestling Club Podravka, received enthusiastic support from the home crowd. Wrestling before family, friends, and club teammates, Petra secured decisive victories to lock in a top-four spot in the 58 kg bracket, where Croatia boasts two semifinalists.
Croatia’s Greco-Roman delegation fielded a 23-wrestler lineup led by head coach Eugen Jakovljević and assistant coach Filip Koščić. Battling through hard-fought brackets, three Croatian wrestlers earned their places in the medal rounds:
Mihael Djok (up to 57 kg)
Duje Plazibat (up to 62 kg)
Dominik Kolarin (up to 85 kg)
All three athletes exhibited high-level tactical execution and resilience, rightfully earning their shot at a podium finish.
The competition kicked off with qualification bouts from 10:00 to 13:00. Following the midday intermission, action resumed at 16:00 with quarterfinal match-ups that finalized tomorrow’s semifinal lineup.
Women’s Wrestling (U15):
42 kg: Anabela Tašić
54 kg: Iva Pezić
58 kg: Petra Toth
58 kg: Lucija Bencetić
62 kg: Tia Topić
Greco-Roman Wrestling (U15):
57 kg: Mihael Djok
62 kg: Duje Plazibat
85 kg: Dominik Kolarin
Day 2 will decide the medal winners in the U15 division:
10:00 – 13:00 – Semifinals and Repechage
16:00 – Opening Ceremony, Bronze Medal Bouts, and Finals
Fans, supporters, and sports enthusiasts are invited to fill the stands at the “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” Arena and cheer on the young Croatian squad as they contend for Balkan Championship honors.
