The event, launched by the Russian Judo Federation, the “Cradle of the Fatherland” charitable foundation, and the “DobroFON” program, brought together young judoka from the Far Eastern regions of Russia.
Youth teams from Primorsky, Khabarovsk, Kamchatka, and Zabaykalsky Krais, the Amur, Magadan, and Sakhalin regions, as well as the Republic of Buryatia, stepped onto the tatami of Lenin Stadium. In an intense competition, they determined the two strongest teams who will travel to Sirius in December to defend the honor of their regions in the international finals.
The “Battle of Cities” uses a new competitive format for Russian judo that allows athletes to gain as much match experience as possible while giving spectators the chance to enjoy the full beauty of the “gentle way.” Team matchups continue until one side secures 13 victories in individual bouts. Additionally, organizers removed the “golden score”: if two athletes finished with equal points, the match was declared a draw, and each team received one point.
The best performers in Khabarovsk were the judoka from the Republic of Buryatia. They advanced confidently through the bracket and defeated their opponents from Zabaykalsky Krai with a decisive 8:0 victory in the final. Under tournament regulations, both the champions and the silver medalists qualify for the Superfinal.
“Everything went perfectly, so positive – my cheeks still hurt from smiling,” said Irina Rodina, Vice President of the Far Eastern Judo Federation. “Eight out of eleven Far Eastern regions were represented, which is excellent. The kids had plenty of matches — the competition ran nonstop from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Yes, the load was heavy, but the timing is perfect: after the summer break the boys were fully recovered and eager for judo and the training atmosphere. I’ve always loved team competitions myself, and seeing such young athletes unite as a team brings special joy.
The Buryatia team showed their mastery, as expected. It’s great that this competitive format was introduced specifically for this age group, when important character traits are laid — team spirit, responsibility — and when dreams about the future begin to form. The ‘Battle of Cities’ helps young athletes socialize. Most importantly, in this format there are no middle-tier athletes or superstars: every athlete is part of the team, respects his peers, and stands up for them. Everyone has a chance to become the best as part of the collective.”
On October 11, the “Battle of Cities” will continue in Cherepovets: in the Central Federal District, all three medalists will compete for a ticket to Sirius, with the third spot determined through a playoff between the bronze medalists of the tournament.
The medals of the new series will be awarded on the federal territory of Sirius. Foreign teams will receive so-called wild cards — special invitations from the organizers, allowing them to bypass the qualifying rounds.
The Superfinal will last eight days, from December 6 to 13, and will follow the Olympic knockout format familiar to fans. The battles will unfold in the Russian Kodokan — the Academy of Martial Arts.
Source: Russian Judo Federation
