Moldova wins first-ever European U23 Judo medal

The Republic of Moldova achieved a historic performance at the European U23 Judo Championship, held for the first time at Arena Chișinău.

Judoka Mihail Latîșev, an officer of the Border Police, won the silver medal, bringing home the first European distinction for Moldova in this age category, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

The President of Parliament, Igor Grosu, who attended the competition, congratulated the athlete and his team for their remarkable achievement:

“Mihail Latîșev brought the first medal for our country at the European Under-23 Judo Championship, held for the first time in the Republic of Moldova. The athlete from Bălți gave an extraordinary performance, becoming the European Youth Vice-Champion. I congratulated him for his spectacular victories at this prestigious tournament — hosted for the first time by our country — and for the joy he brought to the fans at Arena Chișinău. Congratulations, Mihail, for this outstanding result! Appreciation and respect to his parents, coaches, sponsors, and partners, as well as to the Moldovan Judo Federation, the Ministry of Education, and everyone who contributed to this beautiful success for the Republic of Moldova,” said Grosu.

The European U23 Championship brought together 308 athletes from 37 countries, with Moldova represented by 18 judokas.

The Border Police also expressed appreciation for their colleague:

“Behind this medal stand countless hours of training, sacrifice, and a clear motivation — to represent the Republic of Moldova and the institution he serves with dignity. We congratulate and thank him for carrying with honor the name of our country and the Border Police on the European podium,” said the institution in a statement.

Over the weekend, Chișinău became the epicenter of European judo, as young judokas from more than 37 countries competed in the European U23 Judo Championship, hosted for the first time in Moldova.