The day was marked by the second world title of the Japanese Komei Kawabata and the tears of the Austrian Elena Dengg on the podium.
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The 2024 Junior World Judo Championships continue in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
There were numerous supporters in the Kasri Tennis Arena to attend the third day of this competition which pits the greatest hopes of world judo against each other!
Crazy atmosphere for the -81 kg competition
Azerbaijani Olympic champion -100 kg in Paris, Zelym Kotsoievwas present in Dushanbe to support his little brother, to the cheers of the crowd.
But ultimately it’s the Georgian Luka Javakhishviliwho won in –81kg, with a magnificent rolled makikomi technique!
“I have a lot of respect for this country, it’s an extraordinary country. And especially my opponents in the -81 kg category, they were extraordinary and the public was wonderful today. When I heard them supporting their athletes, it made me stronger and pushed me to win”raconte Luka Javakhishvili.
The representative of the Harvest group, Timur Tursumbayevpresented the medals to the champions.
Elena Dengg’s emotion on the podium
The public was also treated to some great action in the -70kg category.
Elena Dengg waited until the end of the golden score to project April Lynn Fohouo with O-Uchi-Gari and win gold for Austria. She was visibly delighted with her title of junior world champion!
“I don’t know if it’s because of the fight, because it lasted until the Golden score or just because all my emotions are surging right now. But it was my dream and now I’ve made it come true and I’m going to be able to hear my national anthem on the podium, I’m going to cry, I know it”declared Elena Dengg after her victory.
Armen Bagdasarovdirector of referees of the International Judo Federation, was present to present the medals.
Second world title for Komei Kawabata in -90kg
The reigning -90kg world champion, Komei Kawabataonce again demonstrated his talent. He first projected Egor Malkin with a stunning standing Seoi-Nage, before showing fantastic ground work to finish the match.
It is Askhat Zhitkeyevsilver medalist at the Olympic Games, who awarded him his second gold medal at the Junior World Championships!
The President of the Judo Federation of Tajikistan, Ismail Mahmadzoiralso presented a special prize to the Tajik judoka Komronshokh Ustopiryanwhile the double Asian champion and 11-time world judo circuit medalist bid farewell to his fans!
The judokas delighted us again today in Dushanbe. Tomorrow, it’s time for the heavyweights!
