Montreal hosts Canada's biggest judo championships for the second year running, and the response is impressive. Organized by Judo Canada, the Canadian Open Judo Championships attracted some 1,250 athletes to the Centre sportif Pierre Charbonneau. The four days of competition were intense, with 1,500 bouts scheduled and 80 titles at stake.
On the four tatamis set up especially for the occasion, athletes of different categories and ages competed to win a medal for their province. In fact, all 11 Canadian provinces came together for this joyous and competitive event.
After a successful return to competition last year, Judo Canada is proud of this year's impressive response:
"This is the year we've had the most entries. It's a return to competition after COVID, and it's a great success," says Danielle Boulanger, Manager of Member Services at Judo Canada.
Through a variety of competitions (Ne-Waza, Shiai, Kata, etc.), judokas enjoy competing against each other. At these championships, all levels are accepted and "future Olympians are also present", as Danielle Boulanger tells us.
The main objective of this competition is to "promote Canadian judo, demonstrate great values and get together to enjoy our sport", as Madame Boulanger explains.
It was a particularly successful weekend, and judo fans were in for a real treat! Medals went to Fréderic De Cardaillac (-66kg), Catherine Toshkov (-57kg), Alexandre Arencibia (-90kg) and Heidi Quach (-48kg). Two young cadets also distinguished themselves and were crowned Canadian champions: Marianna Karas (+70kg) and Yehor Paladii (-81kg). The latter have thus won a ticket to the Cadet World Championships!
In Ne Waza, Alexandria Lefort and Ludwing Ortiz shone, not only winning gold in their respective categories, but also being crowned overall champions.
Judo Canada would like to thank the athletes, coaches, judges, parents and volunteers, as well as the many partners, in particular the Ville de Montréal, for the success of this event.
