At the Dushanbe World Championships Juniors 2024, Mr Barta has been present throughout and has reflected this flagship junior event. “We have been treated to a style of judo without too many tactics. Here they are open, using good judo. Although some fought at the Olympic Games already, this event shows judoka of the right ages to maybe be ready during this cycle to step up and compete at the LA2028 Games.
I have been surprised by the excellent results from the Chinese judoka, especially the silver medallist at -57 kg who is only 16. The team is not just high quality among the women with competitors such as Wang representing the men strongly too. It is good to see the whole team making progress towards the senior level."
"Across the board, we have seen super strong men’s athletes from Central Asia. They are physically mature. From traditionally successful countries like Japan and Korea, we have seen success too, Japan dominating in an impressive way. The Asian continent has performed very well.
Aside from performances and competitive trends, it is important to think about the organisation, which has been amazing here. Every day when we come to the venue in the morning, it’s full, and the crowd is managed very well. Regardless of nationality the drummers and cheerleaders in the audience have a great spirit and we hear them break into cheers for Brazil, Uzbekistan, for smaller nations or even for a referee. This spirit is so great to feel."
"The experience for these juniors is incredible. The whole country of Tajikistan has been energised by judo since the 2023 Dushanbe Grand Prix and now they have two Olympic medals to add to Boqiev’s bronze won in 2008. In terms of progression we can now trust the level completely, from grand prix to grand slam and now the world championships for juniors. This is truly a country of judo and we feel everyone is ready here to learn and to do their best. The world’s juniors have been presented with a fantastic event.”
It has indeed been an incredible event providing the world’s best juniors with an event at the very highest level, the right gateway to walk though as they embark on their senior careers. Japan responded best with 6 of the available gold medals heading home with them. Below them though, it was a tussle for second place, but it was China with a gold and two silver medals, followed by France. The top of the table was overpoweringly Asian as in fourth and fifth place respectively were Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.
Then there was the team event, for many the highlight of any tournament. Japan won ahead of France from an expected final, earning Komei Kawabata his 4th world gold, two from the mixed teams and two from individual events, doubling up in 2023 and now 2024. He’s only 18 years old and looks to be on an astronomic trajectory. Bronzes went to Korea and Uzbekistan to continue the Asian domination in what was otherwise an incredibly diverse championship.
Brenda Olaya of Colombia taking gold at -78 kg and Safa Soliman (EGY) winning bronze at +78 kg, and in some style, were two results of many that again prove the universality of judo. Asia, Europe, Panamerica and Africa flew flags over the podium of the Kasri Tennis Arena a the Dushanbe World Championships Juniors 2024.
