More than 300 athletes and 200 members of sports delegations from 37 countries arrived in Chisinau. Young judokas are playing for 20 sets of medals over three days, 14 of which in individual competitions and six in team competitions. Moldova (as the host country), Spain, Italy, Ukraine and Italy have the largest representation. Each of these countries delegated 18 athletes to the tournament (see the list of Moldovan judokas in the table). Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Montenegro, whose flags will be defended by only one athlete each, have the smallest representation.
On the eve of the championship, the president of the Judo Federation of Moldova Andrei Golban emphasized the historical significance of the event. “It is a great honor for me to welcome all participants and spectators to the European Judo Championship among athletes under 23 years old. This is a historic moment for Moldovan sport and we are very proud to share it with athletes and fans. Bringing such a prestigious event has been a dream of our judo family for many years. This dream has become a reality thanks to the dedication of the federation, the support of our partners and the trust that the EJU (European Judo Union – ed.) has placed in us. We are truly grateful for this trust and are determined to make this championship unforgettable for all participants. We are witnessing the determination and sportsmanship of the best young judokas in Europe. This competition is not only to win medals, but also to build friendships, strengthen the spirit of judo and inspire the next generation”, – emphasized the head of the specialized federation.
The state budget allocated 6 million lei for the championship. Also, the Chisinau City Hall and many local sponsors provided financial support. EJU provides technical support. “I would like to emphasize the fact that the capital city has a modern infrastructure that meets the highest requirements and allows us to hold competitions of the highest level. We have a great chance to be seen and be part of an event that brings a lot of positive energy. We can also tell about our city to foreign visitors and fans following the competitions. We would like everyone to return home with pleasant memories of a hospitable city,” said Ion Ceban, the capital’s mayor.
The coaching staff of the Moldovan national team puts special hopes on Mihail Latyshev and Vadim Gimbovski, represented in the elite heavyweight categories (90 kg and 100 kg, respectively). Latyshev won the European Youth Championships in his category last year, and he is motivated to defend the title on his home tatami. Gimbovsky won a bronze medal at the European Under-21 Championships in September and is looking to improve his result.
The rest of the athletes can show themselves from a completely unexpected side and fill the Moldovan national team’s piggy bank with much desired medals. They have been preparing for the championship under the watchful eye of Valeriu Duminică and are ready to make themselves known. The judokas feel more confident on their home tatami.
A tournament full of passion and fair fight awaits judo lovers. To attract more spectators, the organizers made the entrance to the Arena Chișinău free for the duration of the championship. Our athletes will benefit from the support of our fans!
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The composition of the Moldovan national team at the European Youth Judo Championships |
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№ |
Athlete |
Weight category |
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Girls |
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1 |
Ksenia Vainer |
up to 48 kg |
|
2 |
Yana Pritulyak |
up to 48 kg |
|
3 |
Alexandra Kiron |
up to 52 kg |
|
4 |
Gabriela Herza |
up to 52 kg |
|
5 |
Elizaveta Pavlenko |
up to 57 kg |
|
6 |
Tatiana Dutka |
up to 58 kg |
|
7 |
Maria Rusu |
up to 63 kg |
|
8 |
Madina Duminique |
up to 63 kg |
|
9 |
Tatiana Prokopchuk |
up to 78 kg |
|
Boys |
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|
10 |
Vladimir Yakomi |
up to 60 kg |
|
11 |
Tudor Gushtyuk |
up to 66 kg |
|
12 |
Alexandru Moraru |
up to 66 kg |
|
13 |
Renat Croitoru |
up to 73 kg |
|
14 |
Vlad Mitru |
up to 73 kg |
|
15 |
Ciprian Gribinets |
up to 81 kg |
|
16 |
Andriy Piatikowski |
up to 81 kg |
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17 |
Mikhail Latyshev |
up to 90 kg |
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18 |
Vadim Gimbovsky |
up to 100 kg |
