Leinì, Italy – March 26, 2026 – Luisa Belliardo of ASD Judo Valle Maira secured a momentous victory on Sunday, March 22nd, claiming the Italian A2 Judo Championship in the Cadets class. The win qualifies her for the prestigious A1 Final, marking a significant step forward in her burgeoning judo career.
Competing at the palazzetto in Leinì, Belliardo, competing in the 57kg weight class, demonstrated both grit and technical prowess throughout the tournament. She won six matches, with five victories achieved by Ippon – a full point score signifying a decisive technical knockout. The championship final itself was a closely contested affair, ultimately decided by a two-point margin in Belliardo’s favor.
“Luisa had an excellent competition,” said Maestro Diego Penone. “She was focused from the start and, with determination, overcame each opponent one by one. She demonstrated her technical and tactical superiority. With a few refinements, she gives us hope for the A1 final!”
The Italian Judo Federation (FIJLK) highlighted Belliardo’s win as part of a successful weekend for the Cadets A2 championships, noting victories in other weight classes as well. Results from the competition show Belliardo’s dominance in the 57kg category.
Judo, a modern martial art and combat sport, emphasizes principles of balance, leverage, and technique. Ippon, the highest score in judo, is awarded when a fighter throws their opponent with considerable force and speed, or submits them with a choke or armlock. Understanding these core concepts is key to appreciating the skill involved in Belliardo’s performance.
Whereas Belliardo’s triumph was the highlight for ASD Judo Valle Maira, other athletes from the association similarly competed with distinction. Luciano Martina (52kg) secured a win in her opening match by Ippon but ultimately lost her second contest due to a lapse in concentration, according to coach Silvio Baschieri. “Unfortunately, she couldn’t recover,” Baschieri commented. “It’s a shame about the second match – had she maintained the same concentration as the first, she could have won. Martina has grown technically, but still lacks confidence in her abilities.”
The competition also featured male competitors the previous day, Saturday, March 21st. Giacomo Garelli (81kg) also represented the association, winning his first match by Ippon before falling short in his second, despite holding a lead until the final minute. Maestro Penone attributed the loss to a premature attempt to finish the match quickly. “A moment of inattention due to wanting to close the match quickly,” Penone explained. “It’s a shame for Giacomo, who with a little more composure could have easily reached the podium and qualified for A1.”
The success of these athletes reflects the dedication and consistent training fostered within ASD Judo Valle Maira. The club’s president and staff extended their congratulations, expressing optimism for Belliardo’s upcoming A1 final and for Francesco, who has already qualified for the ranking competition. Local news sources have also celebrated Belliardo’s regional championship win, highlighting the pride within the community.
Belliardo’s journey to the A1 final represents a significant achievement for the young judoka. The A1 final promises to be a challenging competition, but her coach’s confidence, combined with her demonstrated skill and determination, suggests she is well-prepared to compete at the highest level. The competition will be held at a date yet to be announced, but will undoubtedly draw attention from judo enthusiasts across Italy.
The Instagram account for Judo Valle Maira shared a post celebrating Belliardo’s victory on March 22nd, further amplifying the excitement surrounding her achievement.
What’s Next: Luisa Belliardo will now focus her training on preparing for the A1 Final. The date and location of the A1 Final are yet to be confirmed, but updates will be available through the Italian Judo Federation and ASD Judo Valle Maira’s official channels.
Share your congratulations for Luisa Belliardo in the comments below, and let us know what you suppose of her chances in the A1 Final!
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