“Israel has maintained its place as one of the world’s leading nations in Ju-Jitsu,” said Ayelet president Arik Kaplan. “I’m certain we will also register success in the World Games.”
By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFFIsraeli flag.(photo credit: REUTERS)
Israel’s Ron Cohen captured a medal at the Ju-Jitsu World Championships for a third straight year over the weekend, winning silver in the men’s under-62 kilogram event in Wroclaw, Poland.The 29-year-old, who won the world title in 2014 and took a bronze medal last year, defeated opponents from Germany, France and Romania, but had to settle for a silver medal after an injury he suffered in the semifinals ruled him out of the final.Nadav Mandil, 19, joined his countryman Cohen on the podium, winning a bronze in the under-62kg competition.Evyatar Paperni, 24, also took home a bronze medal for Israel, finishing third in the under-69kg category.“The level of the competition was very high and we are happy with our achievements,” said Israel Ju-Jitsu Federation chairman Yossi Golan. “We are a little disappointed as we could have won more medals had our athletes not suffered injuries, but we have a strong team that will achieve more next year, including in the World Games.”Israel sent 14 representatives in total to the championships, with the country’s fighters being supported by Ayelet, the Federation of Non-Olympic Competitive Sport in Israel.“Israel has maintained its place as one of the world’s leading nations in Ju-Jitsu,” said Ayelet president Arik Kaplan. “I’m certain we will also register success in the World Games.”