Israeli Peter Paltchik wins gold at European Judo Championships

Judoka takes top spot in under-100 KG category, after fellow Israeli Tal Flicker wins a silver medal in separate weight class

By ToI Staff 21 November 2020, 7:24 pm Edit

Israel's Peter Paltchik reacts after defeating Bulgarian Boris Georgiev during the men's under-100 kilogram weight category quarter final at the European Judo Championship 2020 in Prague, on November 21, 2020. (Michal Cizek/AFP)

Israel’s Peter Paltchik won the gold medal Saturday at the 2020 European Judo Championships.

Paltchik defeated Russia’s Arman Adamian to finish first in the under-100 kilogram weight class at this year’s tournament in Prague.

The Israeli beat Varlam Liparteliani of Georgia earlier in the day to reach the finals.

“My whole body hurts, the feeling is amazing,” Paltchik told the Kan public broadcaster. “In the final I told myself all the time that this is mine.”

Sports Minister Chili Tropper congratulated Paltchik on the win.

“It’s moving to see the Israeli flag on the podium,” Tropper said in a statement.

תודה על זה: @peter_paltchik אלוף! pic.twitter.com/Asi2nCszvQ

— Gil mishali גיל משעלי (@gilmishali) November 21, 2020

Paltchik was the second Israeli to win a medal at the tournament, after Tal Flicker received the silver medal in the under-66 kilogram category.

Fellow Israeli Or Sasson was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the over-100 kilogram category, while Li Kochman was defeated in his first fight in the under-90 kilogram weight class.

Judo is one of Israel’s strongest sports, with Israeli judokas taking home five of the nine Olympic medals won by the country.