Young judokas confirm quality, four golds for Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - A year after the premiere edition of the Young Judo Hopes Tournament was held in Sarajevo, the newly formed competition of the European Judo Union (EJU) returned to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Compared to last year's tournament, this time, in addition to judokas aged up to 15, competitors up to 13 years of age also took part in the tournament.

During the two-day competition, a total of 383 young athletes from 17 countries will step onto the tatami. Extending a warm welcome to all participants and guests, Ognjen Pavlović, President of the Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanked everyone involved in organizing the competition.

- I want to thank my associates for yet another excellent technical organization, as well as everyone who helped. At the same time, I thank the President of the European Judo Union, Laszlo Toth, who, together with his associates, always finds time and energy to visit Sarajevo - said the President of the Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ognjen Pavlović, adding:

- Last year's competition was historic for this format, and this year we have a record number of participants.

The ceremonial opening of the Young Hopes Tournament was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Aiki Toshihiro, as well as the Ambassador of Serbia, Ivan Todorov, who recently assumed the role of Vice President of the European Judo Union.

This tournament was an opportunity for Laszlo Toth, President of the EJU, to present special acknowledgments and recognitions to Milanko Mučibabić, Larisa Cerić, Aleksandra Samardžić, Ognjen Pavlović, and Branislav Crnogorac.

Young judokas from Bosnia and Herzegovina showed that this Olympic sport in our country need not worry about its future. In the under-13 age category, gold medals for Bosnia and Herzegovina were won by Ali Babić (-46 kg) and Gabrijel Pandža (-55 kg), while in the under-15 competition, Aya Hasan Ahmad (-36 kg) and Ajša Adilović (-40 kg) adorned themselves with gold medals.

In addition to four golds, BH judokas won five silver and six bronze medals, making it the most successful country on the first competition day. Second is Serbia with one silver less, and third is Montenegro with four golds, two silvers, and three bronzes.