India dominates COmmonwealth Judo Championships with nine titles

The Commonwealth Judo Championships held in Pembroke, Malta, showcased the talent of Indian judokas who dominated the event, securing nine titles in total. Hosted by the Malta Judo Federation after a 30-year hiatus, the championships featured judokas across various age categories, from Pre Cadets to seniors.

In the Pre Cadet division, Kyle Camilleri and Miguel Mintoff impressed, with Mintoff clinching a bronze in the -46kg category and Camilleri securing fourth place. Alicia and Isabella Arnaudez also showcased their skills, with Isabella winning silver in the -48kg category.

Under the guidance of recently appointed National Cadet Coach Francesco Aiello, the young judokas exhibited excellent techniques, laying the groundwork for future success.

The Cadet division saw Antonio Overend claim silver in the -66kg category, while Marthea Magro and Samy Ibnass also put up commendable performances.

In the Junior category, Khalaf Sadek secured a bronze medal after defeating Evan Price from Wales, highlighting his potential on the international stage. Lawrence Daniel Spiteri also made a noteworthy comeback.

The senior session witnessed intense competition, with nine Maltese judokas competing. Katryna Esposito stood out by winning gold in the 48kg category, showcasing her dominance in the division.

James Zahra came close to securing gold but had to settle for silver due to a simple mistake in his final match. Despite this setback, Zahra's performance was commendable.

In the senior category, Khalaf Sadek faced tough competition from Indian and Northern Irish judokas but managed to secure a bronze medal. Thomas John Zerafa and Alessio Muscat also showcased their skills, winning a contest each.

Overall, the Commonwealth Judo Championships provided a platform for Maltese judokas to display their talent and compete against international opponents. The event highlighted the depth of talent within the Maltese judo community and laid the foundation for future success on the global stage.