Russian judoka dominate European Championship

Victory in the men’s B1 team event added to the Russian squad’s already impressive medal tally on the final day of the 2015 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) European Judo Championships in Odivelas, Portugal.

The Russians defeated the French team on Sunday (29 November), bringing their medal count to 19 medal, four of them gold.

The lone disappointment for Russia on the final day came in the men’s open classification team event. Azerbaijan’s Bayrem Mustafeyev, coming fresh off his European title win in the men’s under 66 kg event, helped lift his team over Russia 3-2. Ramil Gasimov and Rovshan Safarov also won their bouts to secure the gold for Azerbaijan.

The scoreline from the event could have been different were it not for a moment of sportsmanship from Azerbaijan’s recently crowned over 100 kg European champion Ilham Zakiyev. With the gold already decided, Zakiyev conceded the final match to Russia’s Abdula Kurmagomedov. Given Zakiyev competes a weight category higher than Kurmagomedov in individual competition, Kurmagomedov was happy to accept the victory.

Spain’s lone medal from the Championships came in the open classification team event; they shared the bronze with Ukraine.

Ukraine win women’s team gold

Inna Cherniak added more success to her 2015 season, as she led Ukraine to gold in the women’s open classification team event. As the under 57kg European champion, Cherniak inspired a strong team that also included new under 52kg European title holder Nataliya Nicholaychk.

The Ukrainian team remained undefeated during the three-team round robin event. The women’s team silver medal went to Russia, with Turkey was awarded the bronze.

Day two recap

Day one recap

For more information about IBSA European Judo Championship 2015, visit the event website.