The 2018 European Judo Championship came to a close in Tel Aviv Saturday night, with the Israeli team winning one gold and three bronze medals, an important milestone ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Judoka Sagi Muki won the gold medal in the under-81 kilogram class Friday. This was his second time winning the European Championship, having previously won the under-73 kilogram contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2015.
Muki, who defeated Belgian judoka Sami Chouchi in the final, thanked the hundreds of Israelis who came to support him during the match.
"The audience gave me strength. It's a dream come true to win in Israel. Since finishing [the] Rio [Olympics] I've dreamed of this moment,"
Muki said.
Also on Friday, Israeli judoka Tal Flicker won the bronze in the under-66 kilogram weight category after defeating Marko Gusic of Montenegro.
Judoka Peter Paltchik defeated Russian opponent Niiaz Bilalov in the men's under-100 kilogram class on Saturday, winning the bronze medal.
In the women's under-52 kilogram event, Gefen Primo took home the bronze after defeating Turkish judoka Irem Korkmaz.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Muki on Saturday night and offered his congratulations.
"You are a blue-and-white champion on blue-and-white soil," Netanyahu said, referring to the colors of the Israeli flag. "Someone who knows this sport told me a few days ago that 'Israel is a judo power' and you are heading it. We are all very proud of you."
Muki thanked the prime minister, saying, "It's every judoka's dream to compete in Israel."
Also on Saturday, Israel Judo Association Chairman Moshe Ponte announced that Tel Aviv is set to host one of 2019 judo Grand Prix events.
Russian judokas topped the overall tally, winning four gold, one silver and three bronze medals. France was second with three gold and two silver medals and Belgium ranked third with one gold and one silver.
