European Classic Junior Championships 2023: A Showcase of Powerlifting’s Young Stars

The European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) is set to host the 2023 European Classic Junior Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from October 10-17, 2023. This highly anticipated event will bring together 345 young athletes who will compete for medals, titles, and records, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport.

Originally introduced in 2015, the EPF combined the Sub-Junior, Junior, and Open categories to create the classic championships. The inaugural event featured 307 lifters, and over the years, the roster has expanded, reaching an impressive 557 participants in 2022. To ensure fair competition, the categories are now split, with the Sub-Junior and Junior athletes lifting together, while the Open categories have their own contest.

The Sub-Junior lifters will kick off the championships, competing over the first three days of the event. They will then pass the baton to the Junior lifters, who will take center stage for the remaining five days. Fans and enthusiasts can catch every exhilarating moment of this mammoth event, as it will be streamed in its entirety on the European Powerlifting YouTube Channel.

It is worth noting that the 2023 IPF World Junior Championships, held a mere six weeks prior to the European Classic Junior Championships, challenged many of these young athletes to give their all on the global stage. With their youthful bodies and resilient spirits, it is hoped that their recovery will be swift, allowing them to fully chase their dreams during the upcoming championships.

Athletes to Watch

Among the roster of talented lifters, there are several athletes who are expected to make a significant impact in terms of setting records and securing podium finishes:

• Demir Hamza | Sub-Junior, 105KG — Known as the best Sub-Junior lifter at the 2023 IPF Junior Worlds.
• Nonso Chinye | Sub-Junior, 120KG — Holds the record for the biggest Sub-Junior deadlift and total in IPF history.
• Temur Samkharadze | Junior, +120KG — Silver medalist at the Open World Championships, a promising contender.
• Juuli Kostian | Sub-Junior, 63KG — Currently holds the squat and bench Sub-Junior world records, an athlete to watch closely.
• Ludivine Delos | Junior, 63KG — A record-breaker in the squat discipline at the Junior level, demonstrating immense potential.

Full Livestream Schedule

Author’s Note: All times are in CET; Schedule is subject to change.

Tuesday, October 10 — Sub-juniors

• Women 52KG & 57KG — 9:00 a.m.
• Opening Ceremony — 1:00 p.m.
• Men up to 66KG — 2:00 p.m.
• Men 74KG — 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 11 — Sub-juniors

• Men 83KG & 93KG ‘B’ groups — 9:00 a.m.
• Women 63KG, 76KG — 1:00 p.m.
• Men 83KG & 93KG ‘B’ groups — 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 12 — Sub-juniors

• Women 43KG, 47KG, 84KG, & +84KG — 10:00 a.m.
• Men 105KG and above — 2:30 p.m.

Friday, October 13 — Juniors

• Women 57KG — 9:00 a.m.
• Men up to 66KG — 1:00 p.m.
• Men 74KG — 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 14 — Juniors

• Women 52KG — 9:00 a.m.
• Men 83KG — 12:30 p.m.
• Women 63KG — 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 15 — Juniors

• Women 43KG, 47KG & 69KG ‘B’ Group — 9:00 a.m.
• Men 93KG — 1:00 p.m.
• Women 69KG ‘A’ Group — 6:00 p.m.

Monday, October 16 — Juniors

• Women 76KG — 10:00 a.m.
• Men 105KG — 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 17 — Juniors

• Women 84KG & +84KG — 10:00 a.m.
• Men 120KG and above — 1:30 p.m.

The full roster, along with nominated totals, can be found on Goodlift.

Feature image from @the_epf Instagram page.

Source: How To Watch The 2023 EPF European Classic Junior Championships