The second half of the primary day of the European Judo Championships of the Small States Nicosia 2024 started with the occasion’s opening ceremony, which featured inspiring speeches from plenty of particular company, in addition to the presentation of awards to 2 native judoka for his or her current excellent achievements. Zanet MICHAELIDOU was honoured for her bronze medal on the Abu-Dhabi Grand Slam 2024, whereas Sofia ASVESTA was recognised for her participation within the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games. Lastly, the efforts of the Native Organising Committee had been additionally recognised.
Malta and San Marino joined the remaining with motion within the senior competitors. Whereas the latter had a lone competitor and fallen brief to medal, the Maltese workforce delivered with a sequence of excellent performances. Katryna ESPOSITO, Paris 2024 Olympian delivered the anticipated outcome, profitable the -48kg class with ease. In the meantime, James ZAHRA lastly broke the silver ‘curse’ by profitable the -60kg class. He shared his ideas after the medal ceremony;
It’s lastly gold and never silver. I’m very completely happy. At present I used to be in command of the ultimate, there was slightly mistake and I used to be in a position to right it and win the competitors. It occurs, I higher not do it once more and I ought to have taken him again with a counter assault; ultimately I completed it with a shime-waza, which in all probability fits my type of judo higher. This medal represents perseverance and reveals that I can nonetheless get the gold. It is usually a great motivation for the longer term as I look to return to the IJF World Tour subsequent 12 months.
Malta picked up one other medal, bronze for Aleksa STOJANOVIC within the -60kg class, because the hosts continued to dominate within the senior occasion. Regardless of fielding the biggest variety of opponents, the Cypriots weren’t assured a gold medal at every event. Theodoros MANDRIDES, one of many head coaches of the Cypriot workforce at this occasion, summed up the day, reflecting on the general efficiency of the workforce, each cadet and junior while explaining the advantages of this occasion.
I’m very grateful and glad with the result for the cadets. We had one of the best time right here, fought nicely, and the expertise was constructive total. Nevertheless, I’m much less happy with the seniors’ efficiency. There have been a number of matches that didn’t meet my expectations. It may very well be resulting from tiredness and the lengthy day, however both approach, the outcomes on paper didn’t match the imaginative and prescient I had in thoughts. General, I’m not dissatisfied in any respect however I do know we may have accomplished higher in sure weight classes. The trouble in preparation was there, some athletes got here straight from the ISF Gymnasiade in Bahrain, whereas others spent a month coaching in Georgia. For the cadets, we organised a coaching camp within the mountains and all of us spent the ultimate weeks making ready on this stadium.
This occasion brings many advantages. It positive factors visibility by platforms like judotv.com, official Telegram channels and the EJU web site. This publicity is essential for us as a nation, highlighting the significance of performing nicely and our organisation expertise. For the cadets, that is an unimaginable alternative, particularly for these competing internationally for the primary time. It builds expertise, confidence, and motivation. Additionally they had the prospect to remain and watch the seniors, with some even collaborating.
Lastly, for the seniors, gaining expertise is invaluable. Being an island, it isn’t straightforward or reasonably priced to journey regularly for worldwide competitions. Certainly one of our targets is to carry extra occasions right here and show that Cyprus can host the judo neighborhood. To develop into an awesome judoka, athletes should journey and do randori with others and we hope to welcome Europe quickly to do this right here. Our dedication, laborious work and the great thing about our island, with its sunshine, would certainly go away a long-lasting impression.
Evidently, Cyprus topped the general medal desk within the senior occasion (5-7-7), adopted by Luxembourg (2-3-2) and Malta (2-0-1). Full outcomes for each the cadet and senior occasions could be seen on judotv.com. The whole picture gallery could be discovered at eju.internet. The second and remaining day of the event will function actions from the blended workforce occasion. To maintain updated, be part of the EJU Occasion Channel on Telegram.
Photos: Emanuele DI FELICIANTONIO
Creator: Szandra Szogedi
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