Israeli Judoka Tom Smchayev Wins Bronze at World Cadet Judo Championship

Israeli judoka Tom Smchayev secured a bronze medal in the under-66 kg category at the World Cadet 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 Guairo and Kazakhstan's Yerk Osainov. He lost in the semifinal to Georgia's Giorgi Kapenzda but rebounded to claim bronze by defeating another Georgian, Giorgi Ovaliani, with an ippon.

Another Israeli competitor, Yehali Yahav, competed in the under-52 kg category and advanced to the semifinals with three ippon victories over opponents from Mongolia, Colombia, and Italy. Yahav was defeated by 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 cadet team concluded the championship with three medals and an overall fifth-place finish, marking their best-ever performance at this level. The team included a world champion and two bronze medalists. Head coach Shani Rashko praised the athletes and coaching staff for their dedication and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of continued development and future success at junior and senior levels. He also thanked the Israel Judo Association and its chairman Moshe Ponti for their support.

The championship took place in Ecuador, and the results represent a significant milestone for Israeli judo's cadet division, highlighting promising talent for the sport's future in Israel.