Cadet Judo World Championship in Lima 2024 crowns 16 new global champions.

The Cadet Judo World Championship Lima 2024 concluded with a spectacular display of talent and competitiveness on September 1, leaving behind the crowning of 16 new world champions. This event, held at Videna, stood out not only for the quality of the participating judokas but also for the impeccable organization led by the Peruvian Sports Judo Federation (FDPJ), under the guidance of sensei María Martínez. With the participation of around 500 judokas from 51 countries, the championship created a palpable competitive atmosphere that attracted fans and experts of the sport. The Russian delegation, competing under the flag of the International Judo Federation (IJF), emerged as the big winner in the medal tally, bringing home three gold medals, three silver, and two bronze, solidifying their dominance in this international event. Japan, another favorite, also shone by securing two gold medals and one silver, reaffirming its tradition in judo. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan did not lag behind, achieving two golds and two bronzes, while France and Brazil completed the medal standings in the top five, showcasing the global strength of judo at this level. The competition was not only a showcase for champions but also a valuable learning opportunity for the Peruvian team, composed of 25 judokas. The coach of the Peruvian team, Angelo Acosta, emphasized the importance of international exposure, stating that such experiences are crucial for the growth and motivation of young athletes. "It has been an experience for the kids to put in more effort and more training," Acosta commented, highlighting the federation's commitment to supporting emerging talents. A notable aspect of this World Championship was the distribution of a total prize of $100,000 for medallists and their coaches, an additional incentive for the young competitors. Such initiatives not only reward effort but also encourage participation and skill development in judo, a sport that is constantly evolving and gaining popularity worldwide. The world champions who emerged in the women's category included Aiora Martin Garriche from Spain in the -40kg category and Clarice Ribeiro from Brazil in the -48kg category, among other notable athletes. In the men's category, judokas like Aleksei Toptygin and Jonathan Yang also reached the top, showcasing the potential of the new generation of judokas. The geographical diversity of the competitors, with representatives from places as varied as Mongolia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, reflects the growing interest and development of judo globally. The massification of the sport, as Acosta mentioned, is fundamental for the future of Peruvian judo, which seeks to solidify its presence and competitiveness on the international stage. Despite not winning medals, the Peruvian judokas gained invaluable experience that, according to Acosta, will motivate them to continue training with greater dedication. "Peruvian judo is being massified," he stated, hinting at a promising future for the country's young athletes. The hosting of this World Championship in Lima not only highlights the organizational capacity of the country but also reinforces Peru's commitment to the development of judo. Looking ahead to future international championships, the FDPJ is determined to continue training and preparing its talents, thus increasing the chances of success in the competitive arena. In summary, the Cadet Judo World Championship Lima 2024 was not only a high-level sports event but also a significant step towards the consolidation of Peruvian judo in the international context. The experiences lived by the competitors and the quality of the crowned champions herald a bright future for this sport in the country.