The final day of the Millennium Team European Judo Championships Cadets Skopje 2025 featured the mixed-team event, with 16 determined and competitive teams taking to the tatami. According to tradition, only six teams advanced to the final stage to contend for a place on the podium. As the final block approached, the remaining contenders were: Greece, Belarus, Poland, Georgia, France, and the team representing the International Judo Federation (IJF).
Belarusian Cadets Capture Bronze Medal
One of the bronze medal matches featured a spirited clash between Greece and Belarus. Although the Belarusian team quickly took the lead with two early wins, Angelos Kostelidis kept Greek hopes alive by securing victory in the third bout. However, it was Nadzeya Zhukovich in the -48kg category and Roman Kuznetsov at -60kg who ultimately sealed the deal for Belarus, bringing the team to the required four victories to claim the match. During the deciding contest, as soon as Kuznetsov began to transition Alexandros Polychronidis (GRE) into what appeared to be a perfectly controlled hold-down, the Belarusian team was already on its feet. And when the buzzer went off? A full-hearted celebration erupted, both in the stands and on the edge of the tatami.
Team Georgia Joins Podium with Bronze
Meanwhile, on the adjacent mat, Poland and Georgia faced off in the second bronze medal contest. Georgia took early control of the match-up, securing one win after another to build a commanding 3–0 lead. The fourth bout would determine the outcome: a win for Poland would keep their hopes alive, while a Georgian victory would seal the bronze. All eyes turned to the -48 kg category, where Sandra Walendzik (POL) and Salome Merkviladze (GEO) stepped onto the tatami under high pressure. Midway through the contest, Merkviladze launched an uchi-mata attempt, scoring a waza-ari to keep Georgia in control. Then, with just over 40 seconds remaining, she struck decisively once more. She launched into a powerful o-goshi, lifting her opponent and securing a second waza-ari, thus clinching the win and the bronze medal for Georgia.
A Thrilling Final
The final showdown of the Millennium Team European Judo Championships Cadets 2025 delivered everything judo fans could hope for: drama, precision, and heart-stopping action. France faced off against the team representing the International Judo Federation (IJF) in a gripping final that kept the entire arena on edge.
From the opening bout, intensity was guaranteed. Ramazan Khidirov (IJF) set the tone with a win over Andrei Filip (FRA), giving the IJF team an early lead. France struck back immediately, Emma Feuillet-Nguimgo wasted no time, dispatching Alina Chekmareva with a powerful throw just 33 seconds into their contest, bringing the score to 1–1.
Inspired by her performance, teammate Azriel Dekenne Diffo entered a gruelling golden score battle against Denis Kuligin (IJF), eventually securing France’s second point. The tide began to shift again when Sofia Zakharova (IJF) claimed victory over Nourane Moussati (FRA) in the -48 kg category. That was quickly followed by another win for the IJF, as Aleksei Toptygin outpaced his French opponent, putting the IJF ahead 3–2.
All eyes turned to Chloé Jean (FRA), facing Aishat Alieva (IJF) with everything on the line. In a tense golden score period, Jean delivered a clean ashi-waza that earned a yuko and, more importantly, brought the score level at 3–3.
With the championship hanging in the balance, the final contest was drawn: the +63 kg category, a weight division where France had previously enjoyed its fastest win. As soon as Feuillet-Nguimgo was called once again to face Chekmareva in the decisive bout, the French team erupted in celebration, confident in their anchor.
Just 23 seconds into the contest, Feuillet-Nguimgo scored what appeared to be a yuko, igniting cheers across the arena. However, the score was overturned upon video review. The contest continued.
Moments later, Feuillet-Nguimgo launched again, this time with a signature o-uchi-gari, executed in the unmistakable dynamic French style. The attack earned a clear and unanimous yuko, sealing the win and the title.
With that, France were officially crowned the Cadet European Mixed-Team Champions of 2025, successfully defending their title in one of the most dramatic team finals in recent memory.
Images: Gabi Juan / Carlos Ferreira
Author: Szandra Szogedi