Austrian Judoka Adamyan Claims Bronze at European Open
Austria’s Vache Adamyan secured a well-deserved bronze medal at the 2025 European Open in laibach, Slovenia, marking the nation’s sole podium finish on the first day of the international tournament. The Mühlviertel judoka, competing in the under-60kg division, showcased impressive technique and determination throughout the competition.
A triumphant Journey
Adamyan’s path to the bronze medal was paved with victories. He defeated Anatole Guillard (FRA) with a waza-ari and Roie Rose (ISR) with an ippon. Though, his journey wasn’t without challenges. He faced a tough opponent in the Hungarian judoka, Others’ wide, in the quarterfinals, ultimately falling short. A decisive victory over Vincent Lord (FRA) with two waza-ari secured his spot in the bronze medal match.
In a display of superior skill, Adamyan dominated Pedro Gomez-Llorens (ESP) in the bronze medal bout.A swift waza-ari, followed by two yuko scores, sealed the victory. This podium finish represents a important achievement, building on his silver medal performance at the 2023 Dubrovnik European Open.
Other Austrian Judoka Fall Short
Unfortunately, several other Austrian judoka faced setbacks on the first day. Top seeds in the under-60kg division, Daniel Leutgeb (LZ MultiKraft Wels) and Phillip Aust (JC Klosterneuburg), were among those eliminated. Aust, competing in the under-73kg category, lost to Naim Matt (Sui) in the golden score, after a yuko for o-soto-gari in the 45-second mark. Ray Marinx (Bel) also fell to Aust in the earlier rounds with an ippon.
Other Austrian competitors, including Adam Borchashvilli (Allianz Kukla Galaxy Tigers) and Hegyi, also competed in the under-100kg and over-100kg divisions, respectively. Hegyi’s participation marked the second part of his comeback after competing in the 2024 European Open in Rome.
International Standings
In the overall medal standings, Ukraine leads with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medals. France and Italy follow with 1 gold and 1 bronze, respectively. Israel and Switzerland each claimed a gold medal. Austria, thanks to Adamyan’s bronze, sits in 12th place in the medal table.
The European Open,featuring 419 judoka from 31 countries,promises further exciting competition in the days to come.
Photo: Vache ADAMYAN (far right) secured Austria's only placement on the first day in Laibach - @EJU / gabi Juan
Exclusive Interview: Judo Expert Debates Adamyan’s Bronze, European Open Dominance – Insights & Controversies!
Guest: Dr.Kenji Tanaka, renowned Judo scholar and sports analyst with 20 years of experience covering Olympic-level competitions. Dr. Tanaka’s unique insight comes from his deep understanding of Judo’s ancient evolution, technique mastery, and strategic dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Martial Arts and Sport Science.
Interviewer: Welcome,Dr.Tanaka. The 2025 European Judo Open has just concluded, and Austrian judoka Vache Adamyan emerged victorious, claiming a bronze medal in the under-60kg category. What are your initial thoughts on his performance and the wider tournament implications?
Dr. Tanaka: Adamyan’s bronze medal is indeed a significant achievement. His victory demonstrates remarkable technical skill and strategic prowess, particularly considering the strong competition in the under-60kg division.The precision of his waza-ari and ippon placements against Guillard and Rose highlight his impressive technique, and crucial tactical decisions. The tight competition within the rankings made this victory all the more impressive.
Interviewer: You mentioned technique and tactics.Can you elaborate on Adamyan’s approach, specifically his quarterfinal loss against the Hungarian judoka? How might that experience inform his future Judo strategy?
Dr. Tanaka: The quarterfinal loss certainly reveals the unpredictable nature of Judo. This is the essence of the sport. facing such a tough opponent, it was a testing experience but vital for understanding the opponent’s strengths. It underscored that one must adapt strategic Judo approaches according to the opposition and competition.He likely learned vital lessons about recognizing the timing to execute perfect techniques.
Interviewer: Turning to the other Austrian judokas, Daniel Leutgeb and Phillip Aust, both top seeds in the under-60kg division, failed to secure significant placements. Can this be attributed to a specific strategic lapse, or is this a common phenomenon in high-level Judo competitions?
Dr. Tanaka: Certainly, in competitive Judo, unexpected results are par for the course. High-level competitors like Leutgeb and Aust frequently enough face intense pressure and heightened expectations, and making mistakes under that sort of pressure is a common sports psychology phenomenon and unfortunately doesn’t reflect a general strategic lapse. Aust’s o-soto-gari yuko at the 45-second mark,while a commendable approach,unfortunately could not convert into a deciding factor. This showcases the finely-tuned nature of high-level competitions and the need for flawless executions.
Interviewer: How significant is Adamyan’s bronze medal, and how does this positioning of Austria in the European Open medal standings compared to historical accomplishments?
Dr. Tanaka: Whilst this is a solid achievement for Adamyan, the 12th place overall for Austria in the medal standings is not overly remarkable compared to historical performances in previous European Judo Opens. There is room for enhancement in the overall Austrian performance. Individual brilliance needs a coordinated and collaborative approach. Judo is a team sport and collective effort is vital for overall medal success.
Interviewer: Another critically important factor in any competitive sport involves the role of international standings. Currently,Ukraine is leading the gold medal count,a testament to their dedication and support of the sport that they showcase in practice. How much influence does national support and resources play in the Judo sphere, specifically within the international ranking?
Dr. Tanaka: Resource allocation and national support for Judo are significant factors affecting a nation’s standing on the international stage. Consistent training facilities,coaching programs,and funding investments are vital for developing high-performing athletes. Ukraine’s current lead in gold medals highlights that these components also positively influence their success.
Interviewer: Shifting to broader issues within the sport,what are your thoughts on the increasing importance of sports psychology in Judo?
Dr. Tanaka: Sports psychology is becoming increasingly vital for developing high-performing Judo athletes. Mental fortitude,resilience,and appropriate stress management are not often discussed. The ability to stay focused and manage pressure is crucial under the intense spotlight of tournaments and competition. Judo, unlike many other sports, demands a lot of mental and physical stamina.
Interviewer: In closing, what advice would you give to aspiring Judo athletes looking to achieve success on an international level?
Dr.Tanaka: Dedication, perseverance, and a keen understanding of the subtleties of the discipline are paramount. A deep understanding of the opponent is essential, but even more crucial is the meticulous study of your strengths and weaknesses. Consistent training, and a commitment to honing your craft are pivotal.
Reader Engagement: Do you agree with Dr. Tanaka on this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments!
