The Malta Judo Federation National Championships were held recently at the St Aloysius College Sports Hall. The turnout was encouraging as more than 160 judokas took part.
The programme started with the young Dragons showing spectators their skills in a demo under the watchful eyes of federation instructors and Andrew Bertie, 3rd Dan Black Belt. He presented winners with medals.
After the Dragons' presentation, the championships got underway with the Cadets class.
This was Jerome Zammit's last showing at this level as he will be 17 next year. He was completely dominant, eliminating all opposition with an Ippon (full points). Chris Zarb, in the U-73kgs, is also showing good prospects for the future.
Adrian Bonnici, a young hopeful still in Espoir, also left his mark in the U-46kg category as he admirably fought his way up the ladder to first place beating Shawn Bumber in the final.
Other upcoming judokas in this category were Jeremy Saywell, Mavric Scerri, Isac Bezzina and Shawn Farrugia.
Alex Attard topped the U-50kgs convincingly, winning against Shawn Busuttil and Darren D. Micallef. Bernard Bezzina won the U-55kgs category and Aaron Bezzina was the 60kgs winner.
Mark Anthony Cachia took gold in 73kgs.
Two promising girls in Espoir were Stephanie Camilleri and Tamara Cardona.
Jerome Zammit also contested the Juniors category and won the 60kgs title. Other champions in this age category were Michael Frendo, in the heavyweight 100kgs, and Debbie Zammit, 57kgs.
In seniors, five judokas who distinguished themselves were Marcon Bezzina (-63kgs), Edward Attard (-73Kgs), Fernando Mifsud (-81kgs), Jerome Zammit (-60kgs) and Michael Zahra (+100kgs).
They are all title holders along with Frank Bonello (-66kgs), Neville Thomas (-90kgs), Joanna Farrugia (-70kgs) and Ritianne Bondin (-78kgs).
Open category
After the weight categories were contested, judokas had the opportunity to enter the Open class.
Participants were divided in the -73kgs and over 73kgs, for men, and -63kgs and over 63kgs for women.
Edward Attard convincingly won the -73kgs and Michael Zahra was the undisputed champion in heavyweight.
GSSE gold medallist Marcon Bezzina decided to compete in both categories and won the two titles.