Paul Abraham
Tajikistan took the lead on Day 2 of the IMMAF Youth World Championships. The nation claimed four Youth C world titles and continued its strong run in Abu Dhabi. Ramazon Faizulloev (34kg), Abdurahmon Makhmadyorov (40 kg), Bilol Akhmedov (48 kg) and Umar Ismonov (52 kg) all finished on top of the podium to receive gold, in addition to the nation’s haul of silver and bronze medallists.
England also enjoyed another successful day. Lilah Adams stole the show, making history by winning her third consecutive IMMAF Youth World Championship, with Bobby Lee Burgess and Blossom Crosby also taking home gold. Adams is earmarked as one of IMMAF’s perennial Ones to Watch and once again the selection proved accurate. The young prodigy concluded her tournament run with a flying arm-bar submission. Three of England’s nine featured athletes won world titles.
Ireland’s own Ones to Watch, Kayla Murtagh and Freya Marsh both secured gold medals for the Emerald Isle.
Ukraine finished the Youth C day with three gold, three silver and seven bronze medals. Bohdan Polubok, Yurii Vasyliv and Zlata Mikhno each claiming world titles.
Russia found success again upon the nation’s return to the IMMAF Youth World Championships, also finishing with three gold medals towards the tightly contested medal table.
After two days of competition, 36 gold medals, 36 silver medals and 59 bronze medals have been awarded across all competitions.
The IMMAF Youth World Championships continue throughout Wednesday 19 August with more world titles set to be claimed in the first day of Youth B competition.
