Moldova has a strong reputation to uphold at the U23 European Championships. While the U23 age category is not recognised everywhere with a national championship, Europe has hosted the U23 Europeans since 2003. The next edition will take place in Chișinău, Moldova, between 31 October – 2 November, marking the first time the country has hosted a continental championship.
The event has been held in 17 countries, and Moldova has produced several champions. Last year, Mihail Latisev (MDA) claimed the title in Piła, Poland. At just 21, he will have the chance to defend his crown on home soil. Another promising Moldovan, Vadim Ghimbovschi, is also considered a medal contender.
In the history of these championships, Moldovan judoka have won six titles, starting with Marcel Trudov in 2005 at –66kg. That weight class has proven especially strong, with Denis Vieru taking gold in 2016 and Radu Izvoreanu in 2023. Moldova’s middleweights also shine, with Dorin Gotonoaga winning at –81kg in 2017 and Victor Sterpu capturing the –73kg crown in 2020. Both Sterpu (2020) and Vieru (2023) later became European senior champions, while Sterpu had already won European junior gold in 2019, marking a rapid rise.
Another standout is Adil Osmanov, who won bronze at the 2022 Sarajevo U23 European Championships and brought Moldova its second Olympic medal by claiming bronze in Paris 2024 at –73kg. At the same Games, just a day earlier, Denis Vieru earned bronze at –66kg. Also in Paris, Mihail Latisev faced Tato Grigalashvili in the –81kg category but lost to the eventual silver medallist.
With its growing list of international successes, Moldova has become a force to be reckoned with at the U23 European Championships and in just 24 hours, you can follow all actions from Chișinău live online via JudoTV.com.
Author: Hans Van Essen