Historic medal for Kosovo at Cadet European Championships

Russia was expected and Russia won. At the first day of the Cadet European Championships in Sarajevo the Russian team leads with three gold medals of the six handed out. In the hall Zetra in Sarajevo where the 1984 Olympic Spirit can still be found around the venue, an inspiring environment for Europe’s biggest talents.

Iznaur Saaev was the first Russian to take the gold medal. In his weight class U50kg Saaev was the best among 31 boys. He won his five contests fighting an average of more than four minutes, so more than 20 minutes of intense fighting. In the final he bested Emirhan Karahan of Turkey. Also the Turkish team impressed with silver for Karahan and four bronze medals at the first day. His compatriot Muhammed Demirel won bronze as well as Miragha Hajiyev (AZE).

Kantemir Kodzov of Russia claimed the gold medal U66kg. Kodzov overcame Azeri Matin Rzazade after seven minutes of fighting, a long last contest of the day. Turpal Djoukaev won bronze for Finland, the sixth ever medal in the Cadet European history and the third in four years. Salih Yildiz grabbed bronze for Turkey.

Belarus celebrated the first ever European title in this age class. The Belarussian won twelve medals since 2000 but never a gold medal. Six finals were lost so far but Artsiom Kolasau made the impossible possible. He prevented Russia to take a clean sweep with all gold medal podiums. Kolasau defeated Abu-Muslim Parchiev who won this year the European Cups in Fuengirola and Tuzla. Kolasau who just turned 16 last month showed his cards in March in Zagreb where he won gold. Daniel Leutgeb of Austria and Oleh Veredyba claimed the bronze medals U66kg.

Where the Italian girls were expected to strike on the first day, the young Italians forgot to win the gold and lost two finals. First U40kg where Georgia Hagianu continued the excellent reputation of young Romanian talents. Although it was five years ago since Romania took gold. Hagianu defeated Giulia Giorgi in a small field of 13 girls. Ghjuliana Ballo took the only medal for France, at least remarkable. Muberra Gunes won the first medal of the day for Turkey. Hagianu is by far the youngest winner today with just 14 years, but by far not the youngest ever. 

Kosovo celebrated again a gold medal. On Wednesday and Thursday Kosovo was successful at the Mediterranean Games in Tarragona with three gold medals, in Sarajevo Erza Muminoviq won the first official gold medal for Kosovo. In 2013 Akil Gjakova won the title under the IJF flag. Muminoviq had no troubles beating Ana Viktorija Puljiz of Croatia in a minute. Merve Azak (TUR) and Glafira Borisova (RUS) won bronze. Russia won a gold medal U48kg.

Irena Khubulova defeated Assunta Scutto in the final. In the semi final she overcame Dutch Elin Henninger who won bronze, standing on the podium alongside a second Italian, Carlotta Avanzato. Khubulova was the favourite on paper winning three European Cups, so this was not a surprise.