Aram Grigoryan first athlete to keep his European title

The final in the category U60kg delivered gold for Russia. It was an all Russian final, so a successful start for the Russian team. Albert Oguzov received three penalties and not much later Grigoryan scored a yuko making clear he was the new European Champion in this category. He countered the last attacks of Oguzov to a successful end of the final. Grigoryan is the reigning champion of 2012 and was the first of the tournament to keep his title. Since 2008 Russia has always won a medal in the U60kg division.

Grigoryan was the winner of his pool with victories over Fabio Basile (Italy) and Philip Graf (GER). In the semi final he defeated Valentin Rota (SUI).

The bronze was for Finnish Vadud Balatkhanov after 50 seconds in the match when he defeated Lukasz Kielbasinski with a choke. The Fin took his first European medal and he confirmed that the development in his country is going well, especially in the lightweight category. Balatkhanov is the first man for Finland to medal in the European U23 Championships.

Swiss Valentin Rota was convincing with a ippon just after a minute in the match throwing Bernard Azinovic of Croatia. Rota won two European Cups this year and was the highest seeded. He defeated Balatkhanov in the quarter final but came short in the semi final against Grigoryan.