binéfar Judo Club Shines at National Cups
The Binéfar judo Club had a triumphant return to the Spanish cups after the Christmas break, showcasing impressive performances at the XIV Copa de España Infantil adn the XI Spanish Junior “A” Cup 2025 in Tortosa.
The young judokas kicked off the competition on Saturday, with the Elite category taking center stage.Ivan Llena (-50kg) delivered a stellar performance, securing a well-deserved silver medal. Adrian Rico (-55kg) also impressed, advancing to the second phase before narrowly missing out on a medal. While Angel Diaz (-50kg), Pablo Llaquet (-60kg), and Hugo Penella (-60kg) faced tougher competition, their efforts demonstrated the club’s growing talent pool.the girls’ team delivered equally remarkable results.sara Maull (+63kg) dominated her opponents, earning a silver medal with a series of skillful bouts. Sara solano (-48kg) continued her upward trajectory this season, achieving a commendable fifth-place finish.
Mario Garcia (-42kg), Anibal Garcia (-46kg), and Saul Diaz (-46kg) rounded out the Children’s Cup competition with strong performances, solidifying the club’s presence in the younger age groups.
Sunday saw the junior judokas take to the mat. Sandro Pla (-73kg), navigating a new weight class, fought valiantly to secure a bronze medal. Yesenia Padilla (-52kg), returning from injury, displayed remarkable resilience, also claiming a bronze medal.
These outstanding results highlight the dedication and talent within the Binéfar Judo Club.The club’s coaches, Antonio Clager and Raúl Clemente, continue to nurture a thriving environment for young athletes to excel. With such promising performances, the future of judo in Binéfar looks bright.
Binéfar Judo club’s Rising Stars: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Antonio Clager
Welcome back, judo enthusiasts, to another episode of “On the Mat”! Today, we have the esteemed Coach Antonio Clager from the Binéfar Judo Club, fresh off the heels of their stunning performances at the XIV Copa de España Infantil and the XI Spanish Junior ”A” Cup 2025 in Tortosa. Coach Clager, thank you for joining us.
Antonio Clager: It’s a pleasure to be here.
The Binéfar Judo Club certainly made a statement this weekend! Lets delve into those remarkable results. How do you feel about Ivan Llena securing silver in the Elite category (-50kg)?
Antonio Clager: Ivan is a true talent, constantly pushing his limits.The silver medal is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He narrowly missed gold, which is a bit disappointing, but we see this as a valuable learning experience for future competitions.
And what about Sara Maull’s performance in the girls’ Elite category? She dominated her opponents to clinch the silver medal.
Antonio clager: Sara has been an absolute force this season. Her powerful throws and strategic approach to each bout are awe-inspiring. She’s a true leader amongst the younger athletes, inspiring them with her unwavering determination.
Stepping into the Junior category, Sandro Pla’s bronze medal in -73kg, navigating a new weight class, was commendable.
Antonio Clager: Exactly! It takes courage and adaptability to move up a weight class. Sandro embraced the challenge head-on, showcasing his resilience and technical prowess to secure a well-deserved bronze.
Yesenia Padilla’s bronze medal after returning from injury is remarkable. her resilience is truly inspiring.
Antonio Clager: Absolutely.Yesenia faced a difficult period with her injury, but she never lost sight of her goals. This bronze medal is a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to her craft.It’s a powerful message to all young athletes facing setbacks: perseverance can usher in unbelievable triumphs.
These results are truly impressive, Coach Clager. What can you attribute this success to?
Antonio Clager: It’s a combination of factors. Our athletes are dedicated, passionate, and put in the countless hours of training needed to excel. But it also comes down to the unwavering support of their families, the community, and the collaborative spirit within the club.We have an incredible team atmosphere here at Binéfar, encouraging growth and pushing each other to be our best.
Looking ahead, what are yoru aspirations for the Binéfar Judo Club?
Antonio Clager: we aim to continue nurturing this atmosphere of excellence. we want to see our athletes not only excel in competitions but also develop into well-rounded individuals, learning valuable life lessons through the discipline and dedication required in judo. We believe in the power of sport to shape individuals and communities.
Thank you, Coach Clager, for your time and insightful viewpoint. These are truly exciting times for the Binéfar Judo Club.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the Binéfar Judo Club’s performance? Share your opinions and let’s keep the conversation flowing!