It has certainly been an exciting month for judo spectators around the world, either flocking to Paris to watch their superstars in the Olympic Games or tuning in from home, seeing the senior athletes culminate the ultimate prize. Now however, we are venturing to South America, to the capital city of Peru.
Between the 28th and 31st of August, Lima will host the Cadet World Judo Championships, with some younger athletes looking to double up on their glory from Zagreb 2023, but perhaps in a different weight category. On day one for the European Judo Union, this includes Patricia TOMANKOVA (SVK) who claimed gold in the -40kg category but has since moved to -44kg, gradually making her way to -48kg which will become her home as a senior athlete.
In the -55kg category we will see the 2023 World Champion of the -50kg category, Nihad MAMISHOV (AZE) and bronze medallist Shota BACHOSHVILI (GEO) trying their luck in the National Sports Village – VIDENA – in the district of San Luis.
Now as the aforementioned have shifted their weight, there will be an opening for new champions in the lightest of the categories.
Looking to step in to the -40kg limelight is Aiora MARTIN CARRICHES (ESP). As current Cadet European Champion, conquering the world stage is simply the next logical goal and given her consistency in 2024, never missing the podium, the chances are great. That being said, a surprise is never too far away in this sport and she has tough competition, with the likes of Mathilde AUREL (FRA), Sandra WALENDZIK (POL), Rachele CIAVURRO (ITA), Aurora FERRO (ITA), Busra Ceylin COSKUN (TUR) and Fenne PEETERS (BEL) in the top eight.
In the -50kg category, Azerbaijan are doubling their luck with current European Champion, Bahadir FEYZULLAYEV and bronze medallist Mahammadali HUSIYEV in the top four, joined by Brazilian duo, Carlos FILHO and Yuri PEREIRA. For the lightweight men, it will be a true international challenge as they venture through their respective pools, seeing Kazakhstans top eight talents Rassulkhan GABIT and Arsen YELEMES vying for gold too. Europe seem to have the upper hand however, with four of the seeded positions in hand; the final two earned by Axel CUQ (FRA) and Rostyslav KOSTRYKIN (UKR).
All four from the Cadet European Championship -44kg podium are ready for battle in Lima, Tomankova in the lead followed by Africa PUENTE LOPEZ (ESP) in the third seeding position, Natalija PROLIC (SRB) in at five and finally Lena ANTOINE (BEL) at seven. These young women will be exposed within the seeding however, with external threat from Juliana YAMASAKI (BRA) chasing down Tomankova as world ranked #2, and India’s Olivija Devi HUIDROM.
Azerbaijan’s 2023 -50kg champion, Mamishov has still secured a top eight place in his new category of -55kg, sitting just above the current European Champion, Magomed ABDULAEV (IJF). The performance in Sofia from Abdulaev was a sensation and a surprise for this opponents given his lack of prior results. It was however, a close final between the neutral athlete and eventual silver medallist, Khazar HEYDAROV (UKR) who is seeded second in this upcoming event. The category is led by Gal BLAZIC (SLO) who placed third in the European Championships, alongside KUNYIK Botond (HUN), also in the top three in Lima. We can start to see the introduction of a larger variety of nations in this category, with top eight athletes from Australia and Mongolia as well.
The final block on all days of individual competition will commence at 16:00 local time, making it a late night viewing for European supporters, beginning at 23:00 CEST. Nevertheless, the online draw will take place on the 27th of August at 14:00 local time / 21:00 CEST.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen