BARI, Italy – The Palaghiaccio “Di Palma” in Bari hosted the culmination of the Italian Junior A2 Judo Championship this past weekend, with athletes from across Italy vying for coveted spots in the upcoming A1 Finals. The two-day event, held March 28th and 29th, saw impressive performances, particularly from the Campania region, which secured multiple qualifications for the national championship’s highest level.
Organized by the Judo Team Iacovazzi in collaboration with the FIJLKAM – Comitato Regionale Puglia, the championship drew hundreds of young judoka eager to prove their skills. Saturday’s competition focused on the men’s categories, although Sunday showcased the talent of the women’s divisions. The event wasn’t just a sporting competition; it as well brought approximately 600 athletes and 270 coaches to Bari, providing a boost to the local economy.
Campania emerged as a standout region, demonstrating both medal-winning prowess and a strong pathway to the A1 Finals. Leading the charge was Errico Petrosino of Star J Club, who captured gold in the -55 kg category. He was closely followed by teammates Francesco Improta, who earned a silver medal, and Giuseppe Setale, who took home bronze, both representing Nippon Napoli.
The success didn’t stop there. Fabio Mattera (Judo Forio), Imma Nacchio (Il Rio), and Maria Vittoria Mastantuoni (Il Gabbiano) each secured bronze medals, highlighting the depth of talent within the Campania judo community. These results underscore a widespread and competitive presence across various weight classes.
The A2 Finals served as a crucial stepping stone for these young athletes. The top six finishers in each category – including ties for fifth place – automatically qualified for the A1 Finals. Numerous athletes from Campania successfully achieved this goal, earning their place among the nation’s elite. Even placements beyond sixth contributed to increasing the regional contingent eligible for the final stage, strengthening Campania’s overall representation.
While Campania celebrated its successes, the overall performance of regional teams revealed a broader trend. The top three positions in the competition’s societal rankings were claimed by teams from Piedmont, a result that prompts reflection within the Campania judo system. Officials are emphasizing the necessitate for increased cohesion among local clubs, a greater sharing of expertise, and collaborative project development to consistently elevate Campania’s standing in national rankings.
The FIJLKAM (Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate e Arti Marziali) played a key role in the event’s organization, receiving the support of the Comune di Bari (Municipality of Bari). President of FIJLKAM, Colonnello Giuseppe Matera, Regional President Roberto D’Alessandro, and Regional Judo President Nicola Rinaldi were all in attendance, demonstrating the strategic importance of the championship. Fabio Loconsole, leading the FIJLKAM Puglia race management team, and National Judo Race Manager Pietro Amendola, ensured high technical and organizational standards throughout the competition.
The regional committee also proactively established agreements with local accommodations to facilitate participation from athletes, coaches, and families, contributing to tourism in the area during the off-season. This demonstrates a commitment to not only athletic excellence but also to the broader economic impact of such events.
The focus now shifts to the A1 Finals, where the qualified judoka from Campania will aim to build on their momentum and compete at the highest national level. Fans and supporters will be watching closely to see if the region can translate its A2 success into further achievements.
For detailed results from the competition, visit Portale Judomanager. A photo gallery of the event can be found at FIJLKAM Campania’s website.
This report is based on information provided by the FIJLKAM Campania press office.
