Bischofshofen Judo Enters Final Four Tournament Seeking Glory
The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the Judo Bundesliga season as Sanjindo Bischofshofen descends on Gmunden, ready to battle for the championship title. Both the men’s and women’s teams from the Pongau region have secured hard-fought berths in the Final Four tournament, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of high-stakes judo action.
Men’s Team Faces Semifinal Showdown With Top-Seeded Wels
The men’s team enters the tournament as the fourth seed, earning their spot after a hard-fought regular season. Their first challenge comes in a highly anticipated semifinal clash against the formidable Wels team, the top seed and reigning champions. While Bischofshofen tasted defeat in their previous encounter with Wels this year, suffering a 5-9 loss, team captain Herbert Wicker remains optimistic about their chances for redemption.
“At that time we were already a bit tense because we had already qualified for the Final 4 tournament,” Wicker recounts. “But otherwise we are fully occupied and are traveling with our four legionnaires.”
Wicker, unfortunately, will be unable to compete on the mat due to injury, but he remains a fervent supporter of his teammates. The team is prepared to give it their all in Gmunden, with their sights set on upsetting the favorites. Every point will be fiercely contested in this best-of-seven series. Both sides are aware that the key duel, the one that could potentially swing the momentum in their favor, will likely be in the 73 kg weight class.
“Since there are only seven rounds, every fall can be decisive,” Wicker emphasizes.
Women’s Team Aims to Overcome Adversity and Secure a Podium Finish
The women’s team squeezed into the Final Four tournament after a thrilling season that saw them overcome obstacles and demonstrate incredible resilience. They narrowly missed qualifying in the final round of the regular season, leaving their fate hanging in the balance.
Unsurprisingly, the team was missing their star judoka, Elena Dengg, in that crucial final round. The 20-year-old rising star was recently crowned both the junior world champion and the U23 European champion, winning both titles in a remarkable two-week span.
As if her impressive double victory wasn’t enough, Dengg was honored as Young Athlete of the Year during the Final Four tournament in Gmunden.
Bischofshofen’s women’s team will be looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by Dengg’s achievements and aiming for a strong finish in Gmunden. Their journey through the tournament will undoubtedly be hard-fought, but the team is eager to prove their mettle on the national stage.
What would winning the Judo Bundesliga title mean for the Sanjindo Bischofshofen judo team and their community?
## Interview: Bischofshofen Judo Aims for Bundesliga Glory
**Host:** Welcome back, judo fans! With the Judo Bundesliga Final Four just days away, we’re joined by Herbert Wicker, captain of the Sanjindo Bischofshofen men’s team, who are set to make a strong run for the championship title. Herbert, welcome to the show!
**Herbert Wicker:** Thanks for having me! The whole team is buzzing with excitement for Gmunden.
**Host:** You secured a hard-fought spot in the Final Four as the fourth seed. How does the team feel heading into this high-stakes tournament?
**Herbert Wicker:** We’re feeling confident. The regular season was tough, but we learned a lot, pushed ourselves, and came together as a team. We know Gmunden is going to be a battle, but we’re ready for the challenge.
**Host:** Your semifinal matchup pits you against the top-seeded and reigning champions, Wels. They defeated you earlier this season. What adjustments will you be making to come out on top this time?
**Herbert Wicker:** We’ve analyzed that previous match closely. We know Wels is a strong team, but we believe we can exploit some weaknesses. Our focus, as always, will be on delivering strong individual performances and working effectively as a unit. We’re not intimidated by their status as champions [ [1](https://www.judoinside.com/news/6888/Final_Four_for_Women_and_Men_in_Wiesbaden) ].
**Host:** This is a huge opportunity for Bischofshofen! What would it mean for the team and the community to bring home the Judo Bundesliga title?
**Herbert Wicker:** It would be a dream come true. All of us have been putting in the work, and the community’s support has been incredible. Winning the championship would be a testament to the dedication of everyone involved and inspire even more young judokas in the Pongau region.
**Host:** Well said, Herbert! We’ll be cheering for you and the Sanjindo Bischofshofen team. Best of luck in Gmunden!
**Herbert Wicker:** Thank you! We appreciate the support!
