Melkia Auchecorne Secures European Judo Final Berth, Ngayap Hambou Eyes Bronze
At just 21 years traditional, French judoka Melkia Auchecorne has earned her place in the final of the European Judo Championships in the women’s -70 kilogram division, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. The achievement comes as her compatriot, Faiza Ngayap Hambou, prepares to contest the bronze medal match in the same weight class, setting up a potential double podium finish for France at the continental championships.
Auchecorne’s journey to the final began with a series of commanding performances throughout the competition. She opened her campaign with a decisive ippon victory over Germany’s Miriam Butkereit in the round of 32, demonstrating the technical precision that has grow her hallmark. In the subsequent round, she faced Slovenia’s Ana Viktorija Povz, securing another clean win via waza-ari to advance to the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinal match against Israel’s Gili Sharir proved to be a stern test, but Auchecorne’s resilience shone through as she edged out a narrow victory by yuko, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her semifinal encounter with reigning world champion Barbara Matić of Croatia was perhaps the most challenging test yet, yet the French judoka managed to secure a waza-ari score that ultimately proved sufficient to book her ticket to the final.
Meanwhile, Ngayap Hambou’s path to the bronze medal match followed a different trajectory. After a first-round bye, she defeated Lithuania’s Viktorija Kazlauskaitė in the second round with an ippon finish. Her quarterfinal bout against Kosovo’s Loriana Kuka ended in defeat, sending her to the repechage bracket where she faced Poland’s Daria Pogorzelec. Ngayap Hambou responded with a commanding ippon victory, setting up a bronze medal match against the loser of the other semifinal – expected to be either Kosovo’s Loriana Kuka or Israel’s Gili Sharir.
The European Judo Championships, held this year in Montpellier, France, represent one of the most prestigious events on the continental judo calendar. Hosting the tournament on home soil provides French athletes with both the advantage of familiar surroundings and the added pressure of performing before a passionate home crowd. The Montpellier Arena, known for its modern facilities and excellent spectator visibility, has hosted numerous high-profile judo events in recent years, including World Cup stages and national championships.
For Auchecorne, reaching the final at such a young age underscores her rapid development within the French judo system. The athlete, who trains at the prestigious INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance) in Paris, has been steadily climbing the ranks since her junior debut. Her technical repertoire, particularly her proficiency in seoi-nage (shoulder throw) and ouchi-gari (inner leg sweep), has drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike for its effectiveness against taller opponents.
Ngayap Hambou, competing in her first major senior championship, brings a different set of strengths to the tatami. Known for her explosive power and aggressive gripping strategy, the 23-year-old has made significant strides in her preparation over the past year. Her bronze medal aspirations are bolstered by recent performances on the World Judo Tour, where she has consistently placed in the top eight across multiple events.
The potential for a French double medal in the -70kg division would represent a significant achievement for the French Judo Federation, which has been working to rebuild its presence in the upper echelons of European judo following a period of transition. Success in Montpellier could provide valuable momentum ahead of the Olympic qualification period, with both athletes eyeing potential selection for the French Olympic team in the coming months.
As the competition reaches its climax, the focus now shifts to the final matches scheduled for later today. Auchecorne will face the winner of the other semifinal, which pits Slovenia’s Ana Viktorija Povz against Croatia’s Barbara Matić – a rematch of last year’s world championship final. The bronze medal match featuring Ngayap Hambou is expected to follow shortly after the conclusion of the gold medal contest.
For fans eager to follow the action, the European Judo Championships are being streamed live on the official European Judo Union website, with additional coverage available through various sports broadcasting partners across Europe. Real-time updates and detailed results are too being provided by the International Judo Federation’s official competition platform.
Regardless of the outcome in the final matches, the performances of both Auchecorne and Ngayap Hambou have already signaled a promising future for French judo on the continental stage. Their achievements in Montpellier contribute to a growing narrative of renewal and competitiveness within the French team, setting the stage for continued development in the years ahead.
The next checkpoint for both athletes will be their respective medal matches, with results expected to be finalized by the finish of the competition day. Fans and followers can stay updated through the official channels of the European Judo Union and the International Judo Federation for immediate results and post-competition analysis.
What are your thoughts on the French judo team’s performance at the European Championships? Share your predictions for the medal matches in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #EJC2024.
