The international judo tournament “BiH and Nippon”, one of the most significant and longest-running tournaments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was held this weekend in the Arena Hills hall in Ilidža.
The tournament, which is jointly organized by the Judo Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Embassy of Japan in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 26th time, is a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two countries, which this year are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Over the past two decades, this tournament has made an important contribution to the development of judo among young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it has become a kind of judo tradition.
“Special significance is given to the tournament by its educational and cultural dimension. In addition to sports results, this tournament promotes the basic values of judo – respect, discipline, friendship and mutual understanding. This is precisely why the “BiH and Nippon” tournament has been a meeting place for young people from different backgrounds for more than two decades, who build new friendships and gain valuable life experiences through sport – said Branislav Crnogorac, director of development at the European Judo Union (EJU) and president of the FBiH Judo Federation during the opening ceremony. tournament in which 264 young judokas from 32 clubs took part.
The “BiH and Nippon” tournament was officially opened by the ambassador of Japan in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H. E. Aiki Toshihiro, who through his introductory speech in Bosnian expressed his great respect to the numerous competitors, their coaches, but also to the large number of spectators who filled the stands of Arena Hills.
During the competition, young judokas demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge, sports discipline and fighting spirit, confirming the quality of work in their clubs and the perspective of this Olympic sport in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The technical organizer expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the fights shown, stressing that the goal of the tournament is the continuous improvement of judo sport and providing young athletes with the opportunity to gain the necessary competitive experience.
Today, the National Championship for senior women and seniors U23 was held at the same time, in which 93 competitors took part. In the men’s competition, the competitors of the Braća Lukač Judo club showed the most, winning two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal each. The second place went to Romania, and the third to Randori.
In the female judoka competition, the best were the members of Famos (two golds and one silver). The second position went to Bosnia (one gold and two bronze), while the Sokols won third place thanks to one gold but also slightly better placements in positions that did not bring medals but were of crucial importance for the overall standings.
Already in the next month, Bosnia and Herzegovina will host the European Open, which will take place on July 18 and 19, Klix.ba writes.
