Closing out the U23 European Judo Championships in Pila, Poland, the flag handover took place, and after a sensational event over the weekend, we can already look forward to next years edition which will be held in Chisinau, Moldova.
Accepting the flag on behalf of Moldovan Judo was President, Andrei GOLBAN, Olympian in 1996 and European finalist.
I am very very happy, that we have been given this tournament and I hope that we can show organisation to the highest level. It is a chance to motivate all the children in our country, to start to practice judo.
The Paris Olympic Games brought about fantastic results for Moldova as both Denis VIERU (-66kg) and Adil OSMANOV (-73kg) took bronze medals and put their nation on the medal table. During the U23 European Championships 2024, Mihail LATISEV secured the -90kg title before Oxana DIACENCO claimed the bronze in +78kg.
Though we were expecting some more medals this week in Pila, I am pleased for our medallists and it will only motivate us further and give us something to work for. It has been a lesson, and now we have the work to do to win more medals next year.
Hosting one of the prime events for the European Judo Union is a huge honour, one Golban is tremendously happy for, hoping it will continue to boost development and participation in his nation.
Author: Thea Cowen