Russian judokas generally performed successfully at the World Junior Championships, winning five medals of varying values ​​in individual competitions: bronze, three silvers and gold. The only champion in the team, Bislan Katamardov, won his final in 28 seconds.

Our heavyweight didn’t even have time to break a sweat!

Path to the final

The World Junior Judo Championships are taking place in Peru from October 5 to 8. The Russians are performing at this tournament not in a neutral status, but also not with the country’s flag, but under the auspices of the International Judo Federation (IJF). On the final day of the competition, a team tournament takes place, and individual awards have already been awarded. And our athletes will definitely return home with medals.

In the girls’ welterweight category (up to 63 kg), Victoria Martynenko took silver, and Alexandra Ryabchenko took bronze in the light heavyweight category (up to 78 kg). Among young people, Abdullah Parchiev (up to 66 kg) and Akhmed Turluev (up to 81 kg) won silver awards. And heavyweight Bislan Katamardov (over 100 kg) finished the tournament with gold.

The current European champion defeated representatives of the USA, Romania, Germany and France on the way to the final. By the way, the German athlete Mortaza Suha and his French colleague Mateo Akiana Mongo, who reached bronze medals in Peru, recently opposed our judoka at the European tournament in Slovakia. Again it was not possible to beat both opponents easily, but the main thing is that Bislan made it to the finals.

Bislan Katamardov / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Alexander Kondratyuk

Victory throw

In the final, the judoka from Russia had to compete with the Japanese Guy Hatakeyama. A year ago, the Japanese did not succeed at the Junior World Championships, losing in the first round. But later he had success on the international stage, and at the tournament in Peru the athlete showed himself well, winning clear victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

The final match began without a long build-up: the opponents took a long time to try it on and almost immediately took the grip. Hatakeyama was the first to try to throw, but his attempt to hook Bislan’s leg failed. The Japanese heavyweight collapsed on the tatami, the unsuccessful attack remained unscored. And then it was Katamardov’s turn, who chose to drop his counterpart with an over-the-shoulder throw from his knees.

It was not possible to take down the opponent in one movement; the Japanese desperately resisted. But Bislan did an excellent job with his hands, and Hatakeyama still ended up on his back. To be on the safe side, Katamardov decided to make a hold, but there was no need for this – the judges gave the Russian an ippon rating, and the only throw became the winning one. Thus, in just 28 seconds, our athlete won the final fight.

Being in the best mood, Bislan greeted someone in the stands, then shook the Japanese’s hand and hugged the coach. So, with a wide smile on his face, the heavyweight finished the World Junior Championships, realizing that at this age he simply has no competitors.