The host nation of any event always has a slight advantage, typically with numbers and of course support from friends and family, however it was an incredible landslide for Georgia in the Telavi Cadet European Cup 2024.
With seven gold, seven silver and an astounding 23 bronze medals there was simply no competition, five titles earned in the men’s categories, and two in the women’s. Greece (-52kg, -63kg), Israel (-44kg, -48kg) and India (-70kg) also contributed to top positions in the women’s arena.
Cadet World silver medallist, Tsotne BAKHTADZE (GEO), managed to take his second Cadet European Cup title, the previous one taken in Gori at the same time last year. Aside from his first round against Amin MEHDIYEV (AZE), his remaining contests would have equated to national championships, eventually defeating team mate, Lado DULARIDZE for the gold medal. For Dularidze this was still an admirable achievement given that he only made his international debut in March, taking gold in the Antalya Cadet European Cup.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen