It was a tough first day in the Junior World Championships in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the European entries.
Finalising the medals in the -60kg category, FUKUDA Yamato (JPN) defended his world title, defeating the home hope, Loiq KUDBUDINOV (TJK), an incredible athlete throughout his preliminary rounds, absolutely carried by the home crowd which certainly preserved their status as one of the best in the world. For those competing in their first major championships, it was an atmosphere they’ll likely never forget.
As for the -48kg category, HUI Xinran (CHN) saw out YOSHINO Sachiyo (JPN) for the gold medal, and Kristina DUDINA (IJF) took her second Junior World Championship bronze medal, before two-time Cadet World Champion Clarice RIBEIRO (BRA) took the bronze on the other side of the draw.
In both the -66kg and -52kg category, there were all-Japan battles to decide who would become victor on day one and in the end, 18 year-old FUKUCHI Shuntaro took his first international medal and title, as did the current Cadet World Champion, OI Iroha.
Closing out 2023 as a cadet, Alyssia POULANGE (FRA) managed to be the European Champion and World silver medallist, and she has stepped up immediately to take a world bronze medal as a junior in the -52kg category and was the only athlete from outside of Asia on the podium.
Alessio DE LUCA (ITA) of Trieste, gave a stunning performance in the -66kg category, and managed to pull himself back through the repechage after losing out to eventual champion, Fukuchi, in the quarter final. The second bronze went to German KOBETS (IJF).
Author: Thea Cowen