At the end of October, the U23 European Judo Championships will take place in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. The country has produced several outstanding judoka over the years, and as the continental event approaches, it is time to get to know more about both the tournament and this somewhat undiscovered corner of Europe.
Moldova is officially Europe’s least visited country, welcoming only around 11,000 tourists each year. Its quiet reputation is partly due to its location and modest tourist infrastructure, yet those who have visited often describe it as one of the most hospitable places on the continent. Friendly people, a relaxed rhythm of life, and a deep sporting spirit define this small nation of 2.6 million people, nestled between Romania and Ukraine.
A young country by international sporting standards, Moldova made its Olympic debut at the Winter Games in 1994. Although it has yet to claim a Winter Olympic medal, Moldovan athletes have earned seven Summer Olympic medals since 1996, including three gold. The nation’s greatest success came in Paris 2024, where Denis Vieru took bronze in the men’s -66kg category, followed by Adil Osmanov, who claimed another bronze in the -73kg category. These medals represented a huge milestone for Moldovan sport.
The Olympic connection runs even deeper. Sergiu Toma, born in Moldova, won bronze for the United Arab Emirates in the -81kg category at the Rio 2016 Games. UAE head coach, Victor Scvortov, also comes from Moldova. Together, they underline the nation’s quiet but consistent contribution to the judo world.
The country’s most famous judoka is undoubtedly Denis Vieru. In addition to his Olympic medal, he was once ranked world number one in the men’s 66kg category. Vieru won two world bronze medals, in 2019 and 2022, and became European champion in 2023. Now 29, he remains the face of Moldovan judo.
Another promising name is Mihail Latisev, who will defend his title on home soil in Chisinau after winning gold in the -90kg category at last year’s U23 European Championships in Pila. At only 21 years old, Latisev will be one to watch as he competes in front of a home crowd.
Over 300 athletes and nearly 200 additional member of delegates are expected to arrive to the European U23 Championships in Chisinau, which will also include a mixed team event on the final day. The competition will take place over three days, in a brand-new arena recently used for the U19 Futsal European Championships. While Moldova has hosted major events in other combat sports, including a Sambo World Championships, this will be its first major international judo tournament, a landmark for the Moldovan Judo Federation.
Many judo fans will remember Victor Bivol, who won Moldova’s first-ever World Championships medal in 1997 fighting -65kg, followed two years later by Victor Florescu, who took silver at the 1999 Worlds in Birmingham -90kg, losing only to the renowned Hidehiko Yoshida in the final. Florescu will be among many honorary guests in Chisinau, celebrating Moldova’s proud history in judo.
In total, Moldova has won five World Championships medals: one from Bivol, one from Florescu, one from Sergiu Toma in 2011, and two from Denis Vieru in 2019 and 2022, a remarkable record for such a small nation.
Beyond sport, Moldova is known for its walnut production, one of the largest exporters in the world. The country’s soil and mild climate make it ideal for growing walnuts, which play a big role in local cuisine, especially in traditional cakes and desserts. The championships begin on Friday, 31 October, and will conclude on Sunday, 1 November. Chisinau will be ready to welcome Europe’s best U23 athletes, and perhaps reveal the next Moldovan star.
Author: Hans Van Essen