Young Judo stars secure Spots in National Championships
The S. Pertini Sports Center in Cornaredo buzzed with energy on February 20th as over 150 young judokas from across Lombardy battled for a coveted spot in the Italian Championships. This regional competition, a crucial stepping stone towards the national stage, saw athletes from Varese and the surrounding Milan area fiercely vying for victory.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The competitors, representing various clubs, showcased remarkable skill and determination in their quest for the Lombard regional title.
Several athletes emerged victorious, securing their place in the national championships to be held in Ostia next March.Among them were Sara Stivoni (Busen Luino) in the 48 kg category, Carolina Macchione in the 52 kg category, Giulia Cappellini in the 63 kg category, and Nicolò Assi (Robur et Fides Varese) in the +90 kg category. Jason Niccolai (Ken Kyu Kay Somma Lombardo) dominated the 90 kg category.Adding to the impressive roster of qualifiers are Someya Kaori (Ken Kyu Kai Somma L.do), Greta Baudo (Judo Gavirate), Marco Corò, Simone Dall’Igna, and Vittorio Scorpaniti (Ken kyu Kai somma L.do), Riccardo Gambaro (Orizon Olcella), and Paolo D’Angelo (Robur et Fides varese).
Notably, athletes like Noemi Pignatiello (Pro Patria Busto Arsizio), Mattia Pellizzaro, Giulio Molinario, and Giorgia Bergamin (Robur et Fides Varese) had already secured their spots in the national championships due to their outstanding previous performances.
While many athletes fought valiantly, some, including Letizia Cervi and Tommaso Ferraro (Judo club Legnano), Nicola Destefano and Gabriele Brigatti (Busen Luino), Edoardo Sechi (Pro Patria Busto A), and Tommaso Parolini (Orizon Olcella), narrowly missed out on qualifying for the national event.
The Lombard team heading to Ostia promises to be a formidable force, ready to challenge the best young judokas from across italy. Their dedication and talent make them strong contenders for a prestigious national title.
Judo’s Rising Stars: A Conversation with Coach Marco Bianchi
Teh recent Lombardy Regional Judo championships,held on February 20th in Cornaredo,showcased some truly exceptional talent. Over 150 young judokas battled fiercely for a spot in the Italian Championships, demonstrating amazing skill and grit on the mats. Today, we’re joined by renowned judo coach Marco Bianchi, who has been instrumental in shaping young judo careers for over two decades.
Moderator: Coach Bianchi, thanks for joining us today. The atmosphere at the regional championships seemed electric. What were your impressions of the competition?
marco Bianchi: It was truly inspiring, seeing the commitment and passion these young athletes brought to the tatami. The level of competition was incredibly high, with many demonstrating remarkable technique and strategic prowess. It’s heartening to witness the future of Italian judo looking so luminous.
Moderator: Several athletes stood out. Sara Stivoni, Carolina Macchione, and Giulia Cappellini secured victories in their respective categories. Do you see these athletes making waves on the national stage next March in Ostia?
Marco Bianchi: Absolutely.These young women possess exceptional talent and the dedication required to excel at the highest level. Stivoni’s speed and agility are remarkable, Macchione exhibits incredible strength and control, and Cappellini’s technical mastery is truly impressive. They will be strong contenders for national titles.
Moderator: Interestingly, some athletes, like Noemi Pignatiello, Mattia Pellizzaro, Giulio Molinario, and Giorgia Bergamin, had already qualified for the national championships based on previous performances.Do you think giving athletes the opportunity to qualify through regional championships is beneficial for their development?
Marco Bianchi: I believe so. It provides them with valuable competition experiance, honing their skills and exposing them to a variety of opponents. It also creates a healthy competitive environment, motivating athletes to push harder and strive for excellence.
moderator: Of course, not every athlete can claim victory. Unfortunatly, some talented individuals, like Letizia Cervi and Tommaso Ferraro, missed out on qualification. What advice would you give to these young judokas?
Marco Bianchi: Setbacks are inevitable in any competitive pursuit. It’s important to learn from these experiences, analyze their performance, and identify areas for improvement. They shouldn’t be discouraged, but rather use this as fuel to train harder, refine their technique, and come back stronger.
Moderator: Looking ahead to the national championships, what are your predictions for the Lombard team?
Marco Bianchi: This team is poised to make a serious impact. They have the talent, dedication, and experience to challenge the best judokas from across Italy. I fully expect to see some podium finishes and am incredibly proud of their dedication and sportsmanship.
Moderator: Thank you for sharing your insights, Coach Bianchi. This is an exciting time for Italian judo, with so much young talent emerging.We look forward to seeing how these athletes perform on the national stage.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the recent regional judo championships? Share your opinions and predictions for the upcoming national competition in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
