Tournament under such name in the past weekend took place in Kostroma. To challenge awards of competitions to the regional center there arrived nearly two hundred young judoists from five regions of Russia.

Thus, the record of competitions by number of participants was set up. Who became the winner of tournament - our film crew found out.
This tournament on judo reflected 17 years ago as regional. But in some years on competitions martial artists not only our region, but also next began to come. Organizers chose for competitions the beautiful name - the White Leopards tournament.
Vladimir Kozin, chief judge of competitions: "The name was thought up by us together with trainers. There was a form of only one color - a white kimono earlier. And children in the duels were similar to these beautiful, graceful animals - барсиков. Here we also called the White Leopards tournament".
These competitions gave the permit in big-time sports to many martial artists of the Central Russia. Some of judges and trainers who arrived this year to Kostroma, once too began the career with the White Leopards tournament. And now they bring on competitions already the pupils.
Alexey Gusev, judo coach (Vladimir region): "Naturally, the main task - children "to roll". It is such term, that is people have to get used to a stressful situation on departure. House competitions are one. And competitions on departure it is perfect other situation. Other situation, other psychological approach of the athlete to competitions".
This year 195 young judoists took part in the White Leopards tournament. They represent the strongest teams of the Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Ivanovo, Vladimir and Nizhny Novgorod areas. In total among young men and girls 22 sets of awards were played.
Islam Gasanov, silver prize-winner of the White Leopards tournament (Yaroslavl): "Familiar faces, of course, are. After all often we come here, we act. And in other cities we see each other, we compete, we fight. Experience is gained. We get acquainted with rivals. If we can - we take places. Medals it is received, cups, diplomas. New victories for categories we save".
Duels passed at the same time on three carpets and ended late at night. After hours-long fight in an all-team competition the victory was celebrated by athletes of our region. In an asset of residents of Kostroma of 9 gold, 11 silver and 22 bronze medals. Residents of Yaroslavl became second. Judoists of the Ivanovo region closed the three of prize-winners.

http://www.judo.ru/