Author: Dino STAMBOLIC
Eighth of February is a special date in the history of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The opportunity to organize a sports event on the same day the Olympic flame was lit 41 years ago is very special and emotional, admitted Predrag PUHARIĆ, the Mayor of Sarajevo, in his speech during the opening ceremony.
Day one at the Sarajevo Junior European Cup 2025, first of the three events that will be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina this year, once again proved the great organization skills of the National Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, EJU Best Technical Organizer award winner back in 2022.
This time the competition in Arena Hotel Hills attracted 376 judoka (237 men and 139 women), almost 100 more athletes compared to last year’s edition. 22 countries from two continents had their representatives, while the IJF team this time counted 48 judokas.
The gold medal in the category up to 63 kilograms was won by Manon AGATI-ALOUACHE from France. For the first gold from the junior cup, the Cadet World Vice-Champion defeated the representative of Slovenia, Neza MESICEK.
I am very happy about winning the final and the gold medal. It’s always nice to finish a competition as a winner, especially since this is my first gold at a junior cup.
Manon AGATI-ALOUACHE is not the only one who won her first gold in the junior competition today.
In the most interesting fight of the day, former European Cadet Champion and World Vice-Champion at the same age, Abdullakh PARCHIEV (IJF) was better than Marin CHABON (FRA).
It was physically very difficult in the final, which lasted quite long. I think it was the best match of the day and the spectators were able to enjoy it. The semi-final against my club colleague was anything but easy. This is my first time in Sarajevo, and I must say that the organization and conditions deserve every praise. A sports hall and a hotel in the same place are rarity.
The Olympic city of Sarajevo will remain a special memory for German judoka Arthur AKOPJAN, who won his first ever gold medal with a triumph in the category up to 73 kilograms.
This is my first gold ever. I was happy with the draw but I can’t say I expected to win. I’m happy, especially when I found my focus after the first match, which was difficult. I prepared tactics for each opponent individually with my coach. I can say that this year has started off great for me!
Congratulations to all medalists of day one at the Sarajevo Junior European Cup 2025!
Author: EJU Media