The third day of the Grand Slam of judo in Hungary began with the appointment of Pal Schmitt, former president of Hungary, as ambassador of the International Judo Federation (IJF).
As the first act, Schmitt presented the president of the European Judo Union, László Toth, with the lifetime award of the International Fair Play Committee.
Judo reached its climax when young Japanese star Murao Sanshiro displayed fast and brutal judo, Italian Christian Parlati could not stop Murao’s quest for gold.
CNN Vice President of Sales Corinna Keller presented the medals
In her new weight category, -78 kg, Italian Alice Bellandi is causing a sensation after defeating Olympic champion and world number 3, Israeli Inbar Lanir.
He received his medals from Haruki Uemura, a member of the IJF Executive Committee and president of the Kodokan judo institute.
“I was nervous at first, but then I told myself that I had nothing to lose, I just had to fight, do my judo, be confident, think about my job… and it has worked,” Bellandi said.
In under 100, Iida Kentaro was in top form throughout the day, executing an excellent footsweep on world champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili of Spain.
The final was the battle of Uchi-mata, against the veteran Liparteliani, but the Japanese prevailed with a decisive Waza-ari.
The president of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Mustapha Berraf, presented him with the medal.
In the over 78 category, Japan’s Tomita made her way through the preliminaries. In the final she defeated one of the most decorated judokas of all time, Cuban Idalys Ortiz.
The medals were delivered by the IJF Vice President, Carlos Zegarra
Teddy Riner and the return that did not disappoint
In the more than 100, the great judo star, Teddy Riner, returned to the tatami. The 10-time world champion, 2-time Olympic champion and 4-time Olympic individual medalist, who is also the reigning mixed team Olympic champion, took his first steps towards his third individual Olympic gold. The road to Paris is long, but it is clear that Riner intends to reclaim the throne from him.
The medals were presented by the IJF General Treasurer, Naser Al Tamimi
“Today is my return, a year after the Olympic Games. It is difficult, after many years of career, to return to a Grand Slam. It is a great day for me, now I know my level on the international scene,” said the Frenchman. .
The last day in Budapest ended with more successes for the Hungarian team. He was crowned youngster Veg Zsombor, who took home his first Grand Slam medal. And what a way to do it, before the local public that adores him. An inspiring ending to another great tournament in Hungary.
