Israeli Youth Taekwondo Championships Crown New Winners in Jerusalem

Event Overview

The Israeli Youth Taekwondo Championships took place today in Jerusalem, featuring approximately 400 competitors from across the country. This prestigious event serves as both a competitive platform and a crucial preparation ground for young athletes aiming to qualify for the European Youth Games in Skopje, Macedonia, scheduled for July.

Champions Announced

Among the standout performers, the following athletes secured the title of Israeli Champions:

Tomer Beresh (51 kg)
Gal Neshar (55 kg)
Yohai Feldman (68 kg)
Lia Hamilevski (49 kg)
Hagar Gelfand (52 kg)
Lifaz Hajama (68+ kg)

The championships were held at the Lerner Center with substantial support from the Jerusalem Municipality. A large audience turned out to cheer on the competitors, enhancing the event’s atmosphere.

Future Aspirations

The Taekwondo Association’s expectations for the competing athletes are high, with aspirations to bring home at least start medal from the upcoming continental competition in Macedonia. The championship not only celebrates individual talent but also focuses on nurturing future stars in the sport.

Lifetime Achievement Award

During the event, the International referee and senior coach Avi Kaduri received a Lifetime Achievement Award. An esteemed figure in the Taekwondo community, Kaduri is the founder of the Jerusalem-based club “Achi Yehuda” and has dedicated approximately 40 years to the advancement of Taekwondo in Israel and worldwide.

Looking Ahead

The tournament continues tomorrow, featuring competitors in the cadet (ages 12-14) and children’s (ages 10-12) categories, promising more exciting matches and opportunities for emerging talent in the sport