Both Canadians Defeated by Medal-Winners
Montréal, March 24, 2025 – The two Canadians who competed at the Para-Judo World Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday were defeated by athletes who went on to win medals. Justin Karn (-70 kg J2) and Eitel Houedakar (-81 kg J1) both came out of the competition with records of 0-2.
Canadian team veteran Karn lost his first match to Ishak Ouldkouider of Algeria, who won by ippon. Ouldkouider later captured a bronze medal.
In the repechage, Karn, an Ontario native who now makes Montréal his home, was eliminated by Miles Soloman of Great Britain.
“The Algerian managed to immobilize him at the end. It was a good test for Justin, and it allowed him to assess where he stands right now, because with the weight class changes that took place in view of the Los Angeles Paralympic Games, he moved from the under-60 kg category to the under-70 kg category, which is a lot more demanding for him physically,” explained Franck Moussima, Canadian team coordinator and coach, live from the Georgian capital.
“We now have a clear idea of what we need to work on,” added Moussima, referring to Karn, who finished seventh at the 2012 London Paralympic Games in the under-60 kg weight category.
As for Eitel Houedakar, he was defeated by Gokce Yazuv of Turkey, who ended the day with the silver medal after losing to local favourite Saba Bagdavadze of Georgia in the big final.
In the repechage, Montréal’s Houedakar was pitted against Bauyrzhan Arstanbekoz of Kazakhstan, who advanced to the next round thanks to his victory by ippon.
“Eitel is a newcomer to international competition. He has a tremendous amount of potential, but not much competition experience. However, that will come with time. He’s starting to get his bearings, and it’s just the beginning of the Paralympic cycle,” said Moussima of the 23-year-old judoka.
“Eitel went out there with confidence. He defended himself well, but he wasn’t able to fend off that particular attack.”
Moussima is pleased with Houedakar’s drive to win and learn.
“He belongs in this category. He has a good attitude, and he goes into his bouts with the goal of attacking and winning, not simply defending himself against defeat. That gives us a good idea of where he stands mentally, and it bodes well for the future,” he concluded.
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For more information:
Patrick Esparbès
Chief Operating Officer
Judo Canada
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org