Tbilisi welcomed world-class judo to the Grand Slam. The first day of the competition turned into a sense of achievement for the French Melanie Legoux Clement. She won gold in the 48 kg category. Mohammed Meridja, who is responsible for training issues at the World Judo Federation, presented her with the precious metal.
Georgian compatriots among themselves
The judo enthusiasts in the Georgian capital got their money’s worth when two of their compatriots faced each other in the weight class up to 60 kilograms. Temur Nozadze vs Giorgi Sardalashvili. In a fight in which both judoka fled to the front, an overtime was needed.
Nozadze secured victory in the extra shift. The 24-year-old already won in Tbilisi last year. For him, home advantage is not an empty phrase. In the world rankings, Nozadze is ranked 37th among men up to 60 kilograms. Wins like these help climb the roster of the world’s best.
Anzor Schubinidze, Head of the Georgian State Security Service, carried out the award ceremony. It is always difficult when there is a fight between two Georgian judoka, especially when it is a final, Temur Nozadze said. It was an exciting and difficult fight, but he managed to gather his strength, said the Georgian.
Krasniqi and Pupp: Joint preparation, reunion in the final
Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi from Kosovo is now making a name for herself in the 52kg class after celebrating some of her biggest successes in the women’s 48kg class. In Tbilisi, Krasniqi entered the fight for gold and prevailed against Reka Pupp, third in the world rankings, from Hungary. Krasniqi – also just 26 years old – now has 13 tournament wins on the world tour to her credit. She received gold in Georgia from Skander Hachicha, sports director of the World Judo Federation.
Krasniqi said, “Off the mat, I respect everyone and always try to help. Neither of us had a warm-up partner, so she asked me if we could do it together. Of course I agreed, I needed them too. We warmed up together and wished each other good luck to see each other again in the final. That’s how it happened,” said Krasniqi about the joint preparation with her Hungarian opponent.
Germany’s Pauline Starke is defeated by Huh Mimi
Denis Vieru from the Republic of Moldova won in Tbilisi in the men’s category up to 66 kilograms, Giorgi Atabegashvili, Chairman of the Georgian Judo Association, presented the gold reward.
Huh Mimi from South Korea celebrated with the women up to 57 kilograms, she defeated the German Pauline Starke. Ki-Young Jeon, Referee Director of the World Association, presented the award.
One noticed the local judoka in the Georgian capital: They wanted to know. Vascha Margvelashvili was one of the favorites in the hall. The fact that he won bronze in the weight class up to 66 kilograms not only impressed him, but also many in the stands.
