Pasquill leads Britain's judo medal charge

Great Britain judo coach Ian Johns hailed the European Para Youth Games' importance following a medal-laden day for his talented team in Istanbul.

Jake Pasquill led the way, claiming a comprehensive victory over Germany's Nathan van Melle in the junior men's -62kg category.

But British success did not end there, with Pasquill's team-mates Jolene Donaghue (junior women -52kg) and Rico Amediku (junior men -62kg) both collecting bronze medals.

Pasquill, who is 16-years-old, has displayed impressive development on one of the British Judo Association's pathway programmes, and Johns feels that EPYG offers an important opportunity for young athletes.

"Jake was phenomenal today," Johns, who has coached at three Paralympics, said. "We have brought four athletes to the judo here, with one more to compete on Saturday (July 26), and I am very happy with what has been achieved.

"It is our first time at EPYG, and it is an event that we need. We need athletes to experience multi-games events. We don't want them going to a Paralympics and just feezing.

"I am pleased that we have come to EPYG. It is an important stepping stone for these young athletes.

"All I wanted them to do was to have the experience of being part of a multi-sport event."

Pasquill echoed his coach's thoughts, adding: "Winning here will give me a lot of confidence for the future.

"It has been an amazing experience. I was pretty nervous at the beginning, but my confidence started growing once I began winning fights.

"This is the biggest win of my career. I knew a little bit about my opponent in the final, and it went well. It is amazing, and I would love to get to the Paralympics one day."

The record-breaking Istanbul 2025 European Para Youth Games officially open on 24 July and run until 27 July. They will feature a record 640 athletes with 1,200 competitors, coaches and team staff from 33 countries, also the biggest ever number, competing in Para archery, Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para table tennis and Para taekwondo.

Participants will also get to experience the Discovery Programme where they will have the chance to take part in education and experiences in a broad range of topics, including activities designed to immerse the people of Istanbul in EPYG and to get to know Para sport.