triumphant Performance in Lima

Argentina’s national judo delegation showcased remarkable talent at the pan American and Ocean Judo Championship for Cadets,held recently in Lima,Peru. The team returned home with a total of five medals, marking a important achievement for the nation’s young athletes.

Silver Linings: Maldonado and Quinteros Secure Runner-up Positions

Esteban Maldonado (-55 kg) and Tomás Quinteros (-90 kg) both fought their way to the finals, earning well-deserved silver medals. Maldonado faced a tough challenge against Brazil’s Hugo Silva, while Quinteros battled César de Godoy, also from Brazil. despite their valiant efforts, both athletes secured extraordinary runner-up positions.

bronze Victories: Molina, Robledo, and Cruces Earn Podium Finishes

Benjamín Molina (-55 kg), Ana Robledo (+70 kg), and Lautaro Cruces (-60 kg) each secured bronze medals, adding to Argentina’s medal count. Molina triumphed over Colombia’s Juan Arango, while Cruces defeated Amirbaev from Canada. Robledo emerged victorious against Peru’s Arévalo, demonstrating the team’s strength across various weight categories.

Individual Match Highlights

• Esteban Maldonado (-55 kg): Runner-up 🥈, losing to Hugo Silva (Brazil) in the final.
• Thomas Quinteros (-90 kg): Runner-up 🥈, defeated by César de Godoy (Brazil) in the final.
• Benjamín Molina (-55 kg): Bronze 🥉, winning against Juan Arango (Colombia).
• Lautaro Cruces (-60 kg): Bronze 🥉, defeating Amirbaev (Canada).
• Ana Robledo (+70 kg): Bronze 🥉, winning against Arévalo (Peru).

Other Argentine Performances

While some athletes didn’t reach the podium, their participation and efforts contributed to the overall team performance. Mateo Cáceres (-50 kg) lost in the repechage to Samuel Abdelmalak (USA).Thiago Carvallo (-66kg) fell to Fernando Mitsuda (Brazil) in the bronze medal match. Edgar Molina (+90kg) lost his bronze medal match against Ra Imaru Holozet of French Polynesia. Zoe Miranda (-48kg) was defeated by Bianca Gonzales (Peru) in the round of 16.

The Growing Popularity of Judo Among Youth

The success of the Argentine cadets at the Pan American and Ocean Judo Championship highlights the growing popularity of judo among young athletes. Judo, which translates to gentle way, is not only a competitive sport but also a discipline that promotes physical fitness, mental strength, and respect for oneself and others. According to recent statistics from the International Judo Federation, youth participation in judo has increased by 15% globally in the last five years, indicating a promising future for the sport.

judo is more than just a sport; its a way of life.

International Judo Federation