Israeli Judoka Tom Smchayev Wins Bronze at Cadet World Championships

Israeli judoka Tom Smchayev secured a bronze medal in the under-66 kg category at the Cadet World Judo Championships held recently. Smchayev began his competition with an ippon victory over Argentina's Rodrigo Fernandez in the second round, followed by wins against Colombia's Samuel Castro Gueiro and Kazakhstan's Yerk Osainov. He lost in the semifinal by ippon to Georgia's Giorgi Kapenzda but rebounded to claim bronze by defeating Georgian Giorgi Ovaliani with an ippon.

Another Israeli competitor, Yehali Yahav, competed in the under-52 kg category and advanced to the semifinals with ippon victories over Mongolia's Siadjergal Lakchagvardorg, Colombia's Elixson Valero Acosta, and Italy's Matilda Marillo. Yahav lost in the semifinal to Kazakhstan's Fatima Supigalieva, the world number two and Asian Youth Games champion, and subsequently lost the bronze medal match to Portugal's Sofia Gaspar on penalties, finishing fifth.

The Israeli team concluded the championship with three medals and a fifth-place overall finish, marking their best-ever performance at the Cadet World Championships. Head coach Shani Reshko praised the athletes and coaching staff for their dedication and professionalism, highlighting the significance of these achievements for the future of Israeli judo. He emphasized the importance of continued development and patience to advance these young athletes to success at junior and senior levels.

The team’s success included a world champion and two bronze medals, with Smchayev’s bronze being the first medal for the Israeli male cadet team at this event. The coaching staff and the Israel Judo Association, led by Moshe Ponti, were acknowledged for their support and trust in nurturing the next generation of judokas.