For the beginning of the competition, the ultra-light categories were in action: women -40kg and -44kg and men -50kg and -55kg. For World Judo Tour regulars, these categories are out of the ordinary. Knowing that the competitors present in Bosnia and Herzegovina were all born between 2005 and 2007, it is understood that they still have a lot of room for improvement both technically and tactically but also physically. Lightweight athletes who competed today are likely to end up as senior lightweights but profound physiological changes are still possible in the years to come and everything is still open. What is certain is that performing here in Sarajevo is a good sign for the future of judo. Some names will definitely become famous in the coming years. This is a first step and a beautiful first step.
In the meantime, on this Wednesday 24th August, there was no doubt that it was indeed a world championships, a true world championships, with all the attributes of such a competition. The atmosphere was incredible, as was the nervousness around the launch of the event for both the competitors and the organisers. For the young participants, it is important that they already feel what it means to compete with the best. They can benefit from world-class refereeing and a venue worthy of the greatest international competitions. Apart from the age of the athletes, everything is absolutely identical to the WJT events.
The first day of competition therefore ended with a magnificent performance by the French team, which won the two men's categories of the day, placing team France at the top of the medal standings. It has been a long time since French men have been to such a party. Among the women, note the beautiful championships of the Ukrainian, Superson, and the Dutch judoka, Wandel, who won the world title. Behind Wandel, Turkiye made a good impression with three medals, while 12 countries were present on the podium in all. This bodes well for the second day of competition which will begin at 9am, with the final block starting at 4pm local time. Stay connected on https://live.ijf.org/ for the live broadcast of the competitions.