Last week saw one of the most difficult competitions on the European calendar – the Men & Women European Championship held in Minsk, Belarus.

There were 49 nations taking part with a total of 390 competitors.

Representing Cyprus were Rudolf Kourtides and Aristos Michael and accompanying them was National Coach, Lavrentis Alexanides.

Rudolf was first up in the -73Kg category and came up against the Latvian Demitrijs Fedosejenkovs who threw Rudolf at the end of the second minute for Ippon.

Next up was Aristo against the Polish competitor Damian Szwarnowiecki in the -81Kg category. Aristo fought well, but was penalised with Hansoku-make giving the win to the Pole.

This was a very tough competition and our athletes were there for experience and both of them fought well.

The Federation is proud of our athletes and wish them well in the competitions to come.