Ok Club Imperia Secures Top-Five Finish at Trofeo Sharin Cup
The Ok Club Imperia judo squad delivered a dominant performance over the weekend, securing a fourth-place finish in the overall society rankings at the fifth edition of the Trofeo Sharin Cup. Competing against a deep field of athletes in Quiliano (SV), the Imperia-based club showcased significant depth across multiple age categories, bringing home a haul of gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The event, held at the palazzetto dello sport di Quiliano, served as a major gathering for the sport, drawing over 400 competitive athletes representing approximately 60 different clubs on Saturday, April 11. The scale of the competition underscored the difficulty of the Ok Club Imperia’s achievement, as they navigated a crowded field to establish themselves as one of the top programs in the tournament.
The Gold Standard: Top Podium Finishes
Two athletes reached the pinnacle of the competition, securing gold medals for the club. Sofia Haddan dominated the under-13 category, even as Lorenzo Zinghinì claimed the top spot in the under-15 division. These victories provided the critical points necessary to propel the club into the top five of the general standings.
For those unfamiliar with judo’s competitive structure, these “Under” designations refer to the athlete’s age group, ensuring that competitors face opponents of similar physical and developmental stages. The success of Haddan and Zinghinì highlights the club’s ability to develop elite talent at the junior levels.
Podium Depth and Consistent Performance
Beyond the gold medals, Ok Club Imperia demonstrated impressive consistency, with several athletes securing silver and bronze placements. The under-15 and under-18 categories were particularly fruitful for the squad.
Silver medals were earned by Greta Buetto and Yasmine Haddan in the under-15 bracket, while Ibrahim El Assad and Francesca Sini took second place in the under-18 division. The bronze medal count was further bolstered by Beatrice Ballerano (under-18), along with Justin Celislami, Matteo Guglieri, and Stefano Marvaldi, all competing in the under-15 category.
While not reaching the podium, several athletes delivered strong performances that contributed to the club’s overall standing. Matilde Calzia (under-15) and Mohamend Boudabsa (under-21) both finished just outside the medal positions. Gabriel Cela, Andrea Potenza, and Gabriele Spadacini—all competing in the under-15 class—were noted for their determination and effort despite not placing.
Medal Breakdown: Ok Club Imperia
| Athlete | Category | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia Haddan | Under 13 | Gold |
| Lorenzo Zinghinì | Under 15 | Gold |
| Greta Buetto | Under 15 | Silver |
| Yasmine Haddan | Under 15 | Silver |
| Ibrahim El Assad | Under 18 | Silver |
| Francesca Sini | Under 18 | Silver |
| Beatrice Ballerano | Under 18 | Bronze |
| Justin Celislami | Under 15 | Bronze |
| Matteo Guglieri | Under 15 | Bronze |
| Stefano Marvaldi | Under 15 | Bronze |
Developing the Next Generation
The competition extended into Sunday, April 12, shifting focus to the pre-competitive classes. Ok Club Imperia fielded 21 young athletes for the second day of the event. This segment of the tournament saw approximately 300 pre-agonists participating, representing 22 different societies from various Italian regions and France.
The inclusion of such a large pre-competitive contingent emphasizes the club’s commitment to long-term athlete development. By exposing younger practitioners to international and regional competition early, the club builds the foundation for the success seen in the competitive under-13 through under-21 brackets.
The Trofeo Sharin Cup continues to be a vital benchmark for clubs in the region, providing a high-pressure environment that tests both technical skill and mental fortitude. For Ok Club Imperia, finishing 4th overall among 60 clubs is a clear indicator of the program’s current trajectory and coaching effectiveness.
With the competitive season progressing, the club will look to build on this momentum as their athletes move into the next phase of their training and competition cycles.
Stay tuned for further updates on Ok Club Imperia’s upcoming fixtures and regional rankings. Share your thoughts on the results in the comments below.
