Spectacular second day at the Junior World Judo Championships in Dushanbe

Japanese judokas continue to collect gold medals and France celebrates its first victory in the competition!

The second day of the Junior World Judo Championships was full of emotions in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

There are many judo fans in Tajikistan, who have come from all over the country to attend this competition between the best young judokas in the world.

Stunning victory for Riko Honda

In the -57kg category, the Japanese Rico Honda won a spectacular victory, projecting the Chinese Yuying Tao twice, to obtain an Ippon!

“I’m very happy because I really wanted to win this world championship. Tajikistan is a beautiful country, it’s the first time I’ve come and I can’t wait to come back.”declared the champion after her victory.

Mohamed Meridjadirector of education and training of the International Judo Federation, presented him with the gold medal.

Uchi-mata pour Keito Kihara en -73kg

Keito Kihara put on a show in -73kg, against his compatriot Yusuke Takeichi. With a perfectly executed Uchi-Mata, worth Ippon, the former cadet world champion is now the junior title holder.

“Yesterday when I arrived at the venue and heard the crowd shouting, I was excited and a little nervous. But today I heard them all applauding me, it was incredible”raconte Keito Kihara.

The medals were presented by the President of the Judo Federation of Tajikistan, Ismail Mahmadzoir.

First French victory in the competition

The Frenchwoman Melkia Auchecorne was in Dushanbe to defend his title from last year. In a difficult meeting against the Italian Savita Russothe French star scored two waza-aris to once again be crowned junior world champion in -63kg.

“I won last year and this year too. It was very difficult, my opponent was very strong. It was tough, as you can hear, so I can’t believe it, for ‘at the moment I don’t realize’declared a breathless Mekia Auchecorne after her victory in the final.

It is Vladimir Bartasports director of the International Judo Federation, who presented him with the gold medal.

Tajik judo heroes celebrated

Later in the day, Ismail Mahmadzoir presented prizes to legends of Tajik judo.

Temur Rakhimov is one of the country’s most famous athletes. A bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, he spent time signing autographs and taking photos with his many fans.