The Junior World Championships start on Wednesday in Dushanbe (Tajikistan). 531 judokas from 67 countries were named, including five from Austria. Perhaps the biggest hope for a medal comes from Salzburg.
Elena Dengg (up to 70 kg/ESV Sanjindo Bischofshofen), who won bronze at last year’s Junior World Championships in Odivelas (POR) and is seeded number four, will start against Holly Devall (GBR), number 30 in the IJF junior ranking , in the tournament. ÖJV sports director Markus Moser is very optimistic after the draw: “We are saved from any big chunks. Like last year, you can definitely count on our team with at least one medal and one or two places .”
Dengg’s competition will take place this Friday. After a knee injury, he skipped the European Championships in Tallinn (EST) at the beginning of September to concentrate for the highlight of the season. Her opening opponent Holly Devall (GBR) has already won the Junior European Cup in Kaunas (LTU) this year. “On paper, Elena is the clear favorite, she has always been able to deliver in big tournaments in recent years,” said ÖJV sports director Markus Moser.