In a breathtaking final of the Under 19 Boys Event, Romania clinched their fourth consecutive gold medal at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. By doing so, they equaled the winning streaks of Germany (1995–1998) and the USSR (1975–1978), falling just one title short of France’s record five consecutive wins (2008–2012).
Despite fielding a rejuvenated squad and being seeded only at position no. 5, Team Romania, composed of Iulian CHIRITA, Dragoș BUJOR, Robert Alexandru ISTRATE, and Luka OPREA, overcame all opponents on their way to the top.
Silver medalists Portugal were represented by Tiago ABIODUN, Clément LAINE, Rafael KONG, and Tiago OLHERO. Bronze medals were awarded to Slovakia (Damian FLORO, Samuel PALUSEK, Samuel ARPAS, Jakub HOLUBCIK) and Hungary (Balázs LEI, Dávid SZÁNTÓSI, Balázs POÓR, Georgiosz KIZÁKISZ).
This was Portugal’s first-ever final in this category; their only previous medal came in 2002 with João MONTEIRO and Tiago APOLÓNIA, when they took bronze.
Romania has remained unbeaten in the team event since Belgrade 2022, and their legacy stretches back to their first title in 1958.
In the final, team leader Iulian CHIRITA secured two key wins, over Clément LAINE and Tiago ABIODUN. The second match had the crowd in Torax Arena on the edge of their seats, but it was the deciding match between BUJOR and LAINE that delivered an unforgettable finish. Both players put on a show of quality and power in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
CHIRITA explained:
“I played against LAINE five months ago, he was very aggressive in the first balls, but I discussed tactics with my coach and managed to win. For me, this is my fourth title, so I had the experience to play without pressure, while for him it was his first final, so of course, there were differences. My second match was against ABIODUN. It was really tough, and we were down 1-2 in matches, so I knew I had to play safely. Tiago played really well, but I just focused and took it point by point, I’m really happy I managed to win both of my matches.”
For ISTRATE, debuting in the U19 category, it was a steep challenge — but one he embraced with pride:
“This was my first European Youth Championships in U19. Romania now has four titles, and I’ve won my first, I’m so happy. Last year, I lost in the U15 final. I didn’t expect such a big difference between U15 and U19, but it really is much harder. I did my best and managed to win some important matches, even though I couldn’t beat KONG in the final. My biggest win here was definitely against LAM from France, I won 3-2, and that victory helped us beat France. Against KONG, there was a lot of pressure and the atmosphere was incredible. I played my best, but he played better.”
After his spectacular performance, BUJOR admitted:
“To be honest, I can barely talk, it was the hardest match of my life against LAINE, and I still can’t believe I won. I went into the deciding match very nervous. There was a lot of pressure. But I did an amazing job. I’m so proud I could win the deciding match in the deciding game. I also thank Clément for playing an incredible match. We had so many insane rallies. This was a huge experience for me. That last game, at 2-2, was just insane. I won 18-16, he had four or five match points. It was crazy. But I did it, and I’m really happy and proud of my teammates.”
Romania’s road to the title included victories over Slovakia, France, and Italy in the knockout stage. Portugal reached the final by defeating Hungary, Czechia, and Belgium.
Romania – Portugal 3-2
- Iulian CHIRITA – Clement LAINE 3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 13-11)
- Dragos BUJOR – Tiago ABIODUN 2-3 (2-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 6-11)
- Robert Alexandru ISTRATE – Rafael KONG 1-3 (13-11, 8-11, 12-14, 5-11)
- Iulian CHIRITA – Tiago ABIODUN 3-2 (9-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-4, 11-6)
- Dragos BUJOR – Clement LAINE 3-2 (11-4, 6-11, 11-6, 11-13, 18-16)
SEMI FINAL
Romania – Slovakia 3-1
- Iulian CHIRITA – Samuel PALUSEK 3-2 (10-12, 11-2, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5)
- Dragos BUJOR – Samuel ARPAS 2-3 (11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11)
- Robert Alexandru ISTRATE – Damian FLORO 3-2 (7-11, 4-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-8)
- Iulian CHIRITA – Samuel ARPAS 3-1 (11-0, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7)
Portugal – Hungary 3-0
- Clement LAINE- Balasz LEI 3-1 (11-5, 12-10, 11-13, 11-7)
- Tiago ABIODUN – David SZANTOSI 3-0 (11-8, 13-11, 11-4)
- Rafael KONG – Balazs POOR 3-2 (11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 6-11, 11-8)
