Cypriot judoka Sofia Demosthenous, a member of the Onisilos Judo Club of Lakatamia, by winning the bronze medal at the Amman Asian Open, held in Jordan, in the women’s -63kg category.
Sophia advanced to the second round by default (bye), and then defeated Jordanian athlete Najla Wishah, securing her spot in the semifinals. There, she faced Moroccan Chaimae Taibi, ranked No. 57 in the world, to whom she lost after a particularly competitive and evenly matched bout. In the bronze medal match, the Cypriot athlete faced Reema Alsudayri of Saudi Arabia, managing to secure third place on the podium.
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This success marks a significant milestone in Sofia’s athletic career, as it is her first medal at an international competition of this level. At the same time, by winning the medal, she earned 50 points in the world rankings, climbing an impressive 130 spots, a fact that represents yet another significant step in her quest for international recognition.
Also competing in the same event was Onisilos athlete Antonis Patsiantos, who also put in a commendable performance, advancing all the way to the bronze medal match, though he ultimately fell short of a podium finish.
It is worth noting that behind these successes lie enormous personal sacrifices, as the athletes continue to compete in international events without substantial financial support, covering their own travel, lodging, and entry fees. Despite the financial difficulties, they persist with determination and dedication in pursuing their goals, competing for points in the world rankings, and striving to represent Cyprus with dignity on the international stage. However, the athletes also express dissatisfaction with the way the state treats them, since they are first expected to achieve significant accomplishments on their own. They believe that recognition of their efforts must be accompanied by practical and substantial support.
