Hedvig Karakas defeats Monteiro in European final

Karakas Hedvig captured the European title in Prague, her first European title in her career. It was her fourth medal after she lost the final in 2015 and bronze in 2009 and 2010. Karakas Hedvig is a key figure on the international circuit. He was 26 times present on a podium of a World Judo Tour event. In the European final she defeated another key judoka, Telma Monteiro of Portugal. It was the fifth time both met at European Championships, Monteiro won four times, this time it was Karakas.

Later in January 2021 Karakas was awarded as Hungarian athlete of the year. On the occasion of the 63rd M4 Sport - Sportsman of the year Gala, Karakas Hedvig (HUN), currently number 8 in the World Ranking List, was awarded the best female athlete of the year in Hungary. The awarding ceremony, was broadcast online. IJF President, Mr. Marius Vizer said: “Dear sports fans, dear athletes, honoured sports journalists, Hungarian sports are viewed with great respect everywhere in the world, with its history and its champions surrounded by recognition. Hungarian sports continue to grow, with each year bringing more and more great champions, achieving world-class successes.

It is very important to recognise our amazing athletes year on year. This year it is a special honour that judo is also represented among the nominees. It is my pleasure to see that the best female athlete in 2020 in Hungary is the European Judo Champion Karakas Hedvig.

Karakas Hedvig was pictured together with the President of the Hungarian Sports Press Association György Szöllősi and Balázs Fürjes, State Secretary for the development of Budapest while receiving the award. Karakas: “I wish everyone continued sports success in 2021, in the judo world as well as at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”