We are back to Latvia this weekend for the Riga Senior European Cup 2024. Over 300 judoka across 27 nations from four continents will be in action at the Riga Sports Arena. For some it will be about first experience or personal growth, for others it is transitioning. There are also a handful who are simply getting additional mat time in a calmer rivalry setting.
Tokyo Grand Slam 2023 bronze medallist, Hekim AGAMAMMEDOV (TKM) is certainly of the latter group, although he had a logjam since shining in Japan, now, 4 months ago. He will take on the -66kg category as top seed. Following a successful junior career, Sherzod DAVLATOV (KAZ) is still seeking to establish himself amongst the seniors in the -60kg category. Having placed 3rd at the Warsaw European Open 2024 a few weekends back, he is making the right move. Agamammedov’s junior shadow man, Serdar RAHIMOV (TKM) falls into the same bracket. Miat NOSRATI will single handedly carry the IJF Refugee Team when competing in the -73kg category. Nosrati was last seen in action at the Tashkent World Judo Championships Senior 2022.
Another junior prepping for what is yet to come in the -48kg category, top seed, junior European bronze medallists in 2023, Giulia GHIGLIONE (ITA) will also be heading to Riga this weekend. Additional mat time for 5th finisher of the Tashkent Grand Slam 2024, Maysa PARDAYEVA (TKM) in the -57kg category, where a vigorous European interest will also catch the attention of many with Thea TOPOLOVEC (CRO). Teammate, Helena VUKOVIC (CRO) will likely to add to Europe’s tally via the +78kg category, whilst gaining more experience herself.
The host nation will tackle the weekend with the total of 29 judoka. Una DOLGILEVICA (LAT) narrowly missed out on winning a medal at the U23 European Championships 2023. This weekend, she will be heading onto the field of play as the top seed of the -78kg category.
Program
Attention: The schedule may be modified according to total number of entries and circumstances of competition. *The start time will be confirmed once the final number of athletes is known.
Best of luck to all participants!
Author: Szandra Szogedi