It’s a huge tile that fell on the head of Toma Nikiforov this Wednesday. Insufficiently recovered from a rib injury that occurred three weeks ago during the Grand Slam of Antalya, the Schaerbeekois who intended to defend his title there under 100 kilos conquered last year in Lisbon, was forced to give up the Euro which will take place in a little over a week in Sofia.
“After an analysis and a conversation with the medical staff, my coach and the director of the federation, I will not take part in the next European championship in Sofia for medical reasons,” he said on social networks. “At the last Grand Slam (from Antalya, editor’s note), I broke a rib and the risk will still be too great if I fight against these Europeans. I’m sad and angry, but it’s the right decision. Good luck everyone and fight well! »
If Nikiforov’s sadness is real, it’s because these European championships will take place in the city where his parents are from and where part of his family and many of his friends still live. His grandparents, he explained, live right next to the hall where the competition will take place. For many months, he had been delighted to be able to fight in front of some of his most loyal supporters.
“This championship was particularly important for me and for my heart,” he confirmed. To fight in front of my family, my friends, my relatives, my small and big fans, on Bulgarian soil, during a big event, would have been very pleasant and encouraging for me. But there will be others… This is the Lord’s plan. I will be among you in the stands to admire the beauty of judo. Thank you for your support. See you soon, I love you. »
Nikiforov will not have to wait too long before finding a great opportunity to shine. In addition to the Grand Slam tournaments which will resume on June 3 in Dusseldorf, there are still Worlds on the program for 2022, from August 7 to 13, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
With its package, the Belgian delegation loses an element of weight for the Euro but can always count on Jorre Verstraeten (-60 kg), Matthias Casse, Sami Chouchi (-81), Yves Ndao (+100 kg), Ellen Salens ( -48), Mina Libeer (-57) and Gabriella Willems (-70).
