The U23 European Championships kicked off today in Chisinau, Moldova, and two Parisian judokas, Rayane Ascofare (-90kg) and Fares Mekhoukh (-100kg), faced a day filled with valuable lessons and meaningful achievements. Mekhoukh emerged as a European Vice-Champion, a testament to his burgeoning career, while Ascofare gained crucial international experience in a highly competitive new age bracket.
Fares Mekhoukh: A Silver Lining in the -100kg Division
Fares Mekhoukh showcased a remarkable blend of skill and grit on his path to the podium. His opening match against Azhdar Baghirov (AZE) was a nail-biter, ultimately decided by a decisive counter-attack that secured an ippon (full point) via immobilization with just twelve seconds left on the clock. In the second round,Mekhoukh battled through four minutes of “Golden Score” overtime,again demonstrating his composure by countering an opponent’s sacrifice attempt with precision to secure victory.
The semi-final presented another stern test against last year’s bronze medalist, Benjamin Mataseje. Trapped on the ground, Mekhoukh displayed incredible resourcefulness, escaping a hold and reversing his opponent’s position for a last-second win. His final opponent was George Udsilauri (ALL), a formidable competitor ranked 7th at the 2024 senior World Championships and a consistent presence on the Grand Slam circuit. while Mekhoukh ultimately fell to a hansoku-make (disqualification) in the final,likely due to accumulated fatigue from his demanding matches,his performance was nothing short of stellar. He secured a majestic silver medal, confirming his status as a top contender in the French -100kg category. This achievement is akin to a rising star in American football making it to the Super Bowl for the first time, showcasing immense potential.
Rayane Ascofare: Gaining Experience in the U23 Ranks
for Rayane Ascofare, this U23 European Championship marks his debut in this age category. His initial bout saw him face Aslan kotsoev (AZE). Despite showing promising intent,Ascofare was ultimately defeated by waza-ari-awasete-ippon (two scoring advantages leading to a win) with twenty seconds remaining,after conceding an initial advantage. While the result wasn’t a victory, Ascofare’s participation is invaluable. Much like a young baseball prospect getting their first taste of Major League action, these experiences are crucial for developing the mental fortitude and tactical awareness needed for future success on the international stage. He continues to build his resume of international experience, following his recent participation in the Junior Worlds.
the U23 European Championships in Chisinau delivered a significant silver medal for Fares Mekhoukh and a valuable learning experience for Rayane Ascofare. Both athletes are set to compete again tomorrow in the mixed team competition, the final event of these championships, offering another chance to showcase their talents.
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