Serbian sisters Obradovic share emotions at Cadet European Championships

Serbian sisters, Anja and Jovana Obradovic stole the show at the Cadet European Championships. Both competing U63kg, but only one could take the gold medal. Both girls won bronze at last year’s Cadet Europeans, and even at that time, they both were unsatisfied. This year’s target was clear, only the final and nothing less.

The day was going according to the plan until up to the semi-final stage where elder sister, Jovana, lost against Nadia Simeoli (ITA). Meanwhile, Anja was already qualified for the final and she did not stop until she reached the top of the podium. The 16 year old young judo talent defeated the first three opponents by different ne-waza techniques and it was only in the final contest against Simeoli that she had to use her tachi-waza skills. A yuko score, created by a right sided sumi gaeshi attack, delivered the gold for Anja Obradovic.

After the event she reacted to the EJU: “I have mix emotions. I am really happy to win gold today but at the same time, I am very sad that my sister lost in the semi-final. We both wanted to be in the final. I was very nervous before my final because my sister lost against the Italian girl, so I was afraid I could lose against her too. However, after the first exchange I felt confident to win it”, according to Anja Obradovic. Sister Jovana sais: “I am really sad for losing in the semi-final but I am very happy for my sister that she won. It was my last year in the cadet division so now the focus will be to follow the Junior program. I want to be on the top of the podium next year at the Junior Europeans.”