Bronze Victory: Israeli Teen Itzhak Ashpiz Shines at European Championships
The 18-year-old judoka broke a national dry spell to secure a medal in Tbilisi, despite an unsportsmanlike encounter with a Turkish opponent who refused to shake his hand.
Israel’s judo scene has a new rising star.
Itzhak Ashpiz, only 18 years old, captured the bronze medal at the European Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. This achievement is particularly impressive as it marks only his second appearance at the European Championships.
Ashpiz secured his spot on the podium after a hard-fought victory over Dilshot Khalmatov, the 2023 silver medalist. This win ended a difficult streak for the Israeli national team, which had gone four consecutive championships without a medal.
"This is a very significant moment in my career, especially in such a challenging competition and on a demanding day," Ashpiz stated after the win. "At the same time, I know this is just the beginning. I am ready, committed, and hungry to keep improving."
Tension on the Mat
The path to the medal was not without drama. During the second round of the quarterfinals, Ashpiz faced a Turkish opponent named Yildiz. After a tense "Golden Score" period, the referee issued a third penalty to the Turkish athlete, handing the victory to Ashpiz.
In a disappointing display of sportsmanship, Yildiz refused to shake the Israeli's hand at the end of the match. While relations between Israel and Turkey remain strained, sports analysts noted that this was likely not a diplomatic incident. Instead, it appeared to be a result of the Turkish athlete’s frustration and surprise over the referee's decisive call.
A Bright Future
Despite the unpleasant encounter, Ashpiz remained focused on the sport. His bronze medal is being hailed as a major boost for Israeli judo, signaling a promising future for the young athlete as he prepares for upcoming international goals.