Israeli bridge teams have demonstrated exceptional skill at the recent European Championship in Riga, Latvia, with the nation's Under-16, Under-21, and Under-26 squads each earning silver medals. This remarkable showing builds on the success of Israel's senior Open and Mixed Pairs teams, who previously captured two bronze medals at the same championship.
Israel fielded four teams in the competition, with three achieving second-place finishes in Europe. The Under-26 team, featuring players like Nir Hotorski, Aviv Zeitak, Daniel Mesika, Ido Mushkovitz, Lia Patleko, and Koren Reter, under the guidance of captain Danny Loonstein and coach Ron Pechtman, maintained a leading position for much of the event. Similarly, the Under-21 team, comprising Eitan Gissin, Sophie Zeidenberg-Gat, Itamar Herbst, Yoav Shor, Noam Tzarfati, and Tommy Hiba, with Tomer Loonstein as captain and Pechtman as coach, secured silver after a fiercely contested final against Poland. The Under-16 team, made up of Yahli Hiba, Raam Hotorski, Hadassah and Naomi Weinvitz, Aviv Zeidenberg-Gat, and Shira Lahav, led by captain Kfir Meital and coaches Moshiko Meyuhas and Ofek Sabach, also concluded an impressive championship by claiming silver on the final day.
Danny Loonstein, Chairman of the Israel Bridge Federation, expressed immense pride in the teams' achievements, highlighting that out of eight teams sent across nine categories, a full collection of medals was brought home. Arik Kaplan, President and CEO of Ayelet, the umbrella organization for Israel's non-Olympic sports, lauded the success as powerful evidence of the rising strength of the next generation of Israeli athletes. He emphasized that beyond the medals, the young competitors represented Israel with determination and excellence, promising a bright future for the sport on the global stage.
This remarkable performance by Israeli bridge players underscores the importance of dedication, teamwork, and strategic thinking in achieving success. It serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that through persistent effort and a commitment to excellence, individuals and teams can reach the pinnacle of their chosen fields, fostering national pride and setting an example for future generations.
