The Hangzhou Asian Open concluded on Saturday and Sunday at the Linpu Gymnasium, venue of the 2022 Asian Games, with 88 athletes from 13 nations competing. Sanctioned by the Asian Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation -IJF-, the tournament was defined by the superiority of the Chinese delegation, which secured nine of the fourteen titles at stake.

The host nation won all seven women’s categories, led by continental champion and world number 12 Jinesinuer Ayiman. Also impressive was Lu Liu, a World Judo Tour medallist, who claimed gold in the -70 kg category. The -52 kg final was an all-Chinese affair, underlining the home team’s dominance across the women’s divisions.

Beyond the host nation’s success, other countries also made the podium. Chinese Taipei’s Ying-Chen Wang took bronze in -52 kg, Qona Christa from New Zealand earned bronze in -63 kg, and Saya Middleton from Australia secured silver in -70 kg.

Australian and Kazakh success in the men’s draw

Australia opened strongly in the men’s field with two gold medals on day one, courtesy of Pedro Antun-Neto (-60 kg) and Vas Middleton (-66 kg). For Middleton, still a junior, it was his second gold medal at senior Asian Open level this year, placing the Oceania nation second in the medal tally.

Kazakhstan’s Yermek Amangeldi claimed gold in -73 kg, while New Zealand’s Noah Wallis triumphed in -90 kg. In the +100 kg heavyweight division, South Korea’s Changil Yang added his name to the list of international champions. The hosts extended their dominance with Youxiu winning -81 kg and Asian champion Fuchun Huang victorious in -100 kg. According to IJF statistics, 95% of contests ended with a positive score and 44% with ippon, reinforcing the federation’s drive for dynamic, attacking judo.

Italy and France shine at the Junior European Championships in Bratislava

The Junior European Championships were staged at the Gopass Arena in Bratislava, organized by the European Judo Union -EJU-. Italy enjoyed an outstanding start with gold medals for Gaia Stella (-52 kg) and Michela Terranova (-57 kg), supported by podium finishes for Francesco Sampino and Sofia Mazzola. Savita Russo, an Olympian in Paris, confirmed her rising trajectory by capturing her second junior continental title in -63 kg. On the final day, Cristiano Mincinesi claimed the -90 kg crown, bringing Italy’s tally to four golds, two silvers and three bronzes.

France, a traditional powerhouse on the circuit, excelled in the women’s heavier categories. Celia Cancan defended her +78 kg title against compatriot Leonie Minkada-Caquineau, while Lila Mazzarino took gold in -78 kg. With ten individual medals and victory in the mixed team event, the French delegation left Bratislava among the strongest nations of the championships.

Historic milestones and the rise of new generations

The event also produced historic moments. Irakli Goginashvili delivered Great Britain’s first men’s junior European title in 25 years, following the successes of the Cousins brothers in 2000. Simas Polikevcius secured Lithuania’s first medal at junior continental level since 2005.

Azerbaijan continued its tradition in the lighter men’s categories, with titles for Nihad Mamishov (-60 kg) and Mahammad Musayev (-66 kg). Turkey celebrated the unexpected victory of Ecem Baysug in -70 kg, who rose from world ranking position 61 to the top of the podium. For Spain, Atiana Díaz Hernández claimed gold in -48 kg, joined by Iñaki Baztán Merchan with silver in -81 kg, consolidating the Spanish presence among Europe’s elite.

Following the highlights in Hangzhou and Bratislava, attention now turns to the Junior World Championships, organized by the IJF, which will take place in Lima, Peru, from October 5–8. Several of the emerging stars from Asia and Europe are expected to compete again, aiming for global honours.