As the senior war wages in Abu Dhabi this weekend in the IJF World Tour, we look closer to home in Riga, Latvia, as the federation hosts the future stars in the Cadet European Cup for the first time.
The Rimi Olympic Centre will see almost 200 athletes from the youngest EJU tour come together, some of whom we have already seen many a time this year, including placing in the Cadet European Championships 2022.
One of those athletes is home favourite and highest ranked, Maksims BIZANS (LAT) at #6 in the world ranking list. Bizans placed third in the cadet continental championships and being able to perform in front of a home crowd will likely help him to the top of the podium, but he will have some stiff competition in the -90kg category.
Interestingly, in the -81kg category, the seeding makes it look like a Latvian national championships as three of their athletes are in the top four positions, and although they will be feeling the pressure, there is still great focus on development at this stage in the athletes’ career and having this event in their home country provides invaluable experience.
Not only the tournament but following, there will be a training camp for the competitors and those wishing to join afterwards.
The draw will take place at 20:00 (local time) today, with the tournament currently scheduled for 09:00 starts on both days, however this may change according to the entry. Watch the draw live at eju.net.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen