Georgian men grab gold at Junior European Cup in Athens

Georgia became the winner of the second European Cup for Juniors this season. The Iliadis Cup in Athens was crowded with over 300 athletes The event has a European Cup status since 2009, held in Mudania, Thessaloniki and Athens. During those years Greece won 18 gold medals, 11 for the men and 7 for the female talents of Greece, but couldn’t add another gold medal this time. Silver and bronze was all it gave this edition for the host.

The women’s category U78kg had a Greek finalist in Antogoni Aleiferi, but she lost her final against Raz Hershko, a well-known judo family from Israel. Still Hershko was among the youngest winners with her 17 years. Also Gili Sharir of Israel is just 16 and she won the U63kg class today in Athens.

The Georgian men’s team dominated with four gold medals for Robinzon Beglarashvili U60kg on day one and Onise Saneblidze U90kg, Jaba Mumladze U100kg and Nikoloz Sisvadze +100kg on the second day.

Bosnian trailblazer Aleksandra Samardzic won the category U70kg, she wants the European title this year but had already fought U78kg. Another junior who already touched Senior level, Hidayat Heydarov won in his new category U73kg among 30 men. He tried U66kg for a long time, but couldn’t make his weight. On Saturday he gained some confidence at Junior level in the final against Giorgi Khmelidze (GEO).

Russia’s strong men Turpal Tepkaev practiced well in Athens with a gold medal U81kg against Koba Mchedlishvili.

Turkey won both lightweight categories by Cicek Akyuz U44kg and Gulkader Senturk U48kg. For Senturk her fourth European Cup victory and first this season.

Check who are the best juniors ever in the European Cups in history.

From Monday event the training camp in Loutraki will be held, an EJU Junior Training Camp with the participation of about 250 athletes.