In the midst of the biggest event in the judo calendar, the World Judo Championships Doha 2023, we look back to the European continent as juniors continue to advance in their careers, hoping one day to be performing on the biggest senior stage.
This weekend, over the 13th and 14th of May, 192 athletes from 16 nations are travelling to Kaunas, Lithuania to compete in the Junior European Cup 2023. The last time Kaunas hosted this event was in 2019, and following the event, a training camp will be hosted by the federation.
Among those flying in is the completely unranked, current cadet world champion, Gor KARAPETYAN (ARM/-90), this will in fact be his first event of the year, though following his world success, he immediately attempted a run at the junior European title. It didn’t work out for him and we haven’t seen him since, suggesting he got a feeling and has building himself up to be ready for the junior scene. Joining him is lightweight team mate, Vahe AGHASYAN who also found success as a cadet, receiving bronze at both EYOF and the cadet European championships.
The host nation has an entry of 53 athletes and prepared to make their mark in front of the home crowd in the Garliavos Sports Center. For the event, the draw will take place at 19:00 local time online and can be watched at judotv.com.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen