Clear the stage for the Zagreb Judo Grand Prix!
In the weight class up to 48 kilograms there was no way around Koga Wakana. The 21-year-old Japanese defeated Mélanie Vieu in the final. The French had just won gold at the Mediterranean Games. Laszlo Toth, President of the European Judo Federation, honored the medal winners.
In the lowest weight category for men, there was a Kazakh victory: Magzhan Shamshadin prevailed in the final of the fighters under 60 kilograms against Kim Won Jin from Korea. Ante Žigman, Chairman of the Croatian Financial Supervisory Authority, carried out the award ceremony.
Abe Uta and her brother are now looking at Olympic gold in 2024
Olympic champion Abe Uta competed in the women’s category up to 52 kilograms in Zagreb. For the Japanese it was the first competition since the success of Tokyo. And she hadn’t rusted at all. Abe Uta fought his way to the final. And there she met another Olympic champion: Distria Krasniqi of Kosovo, who now fights in the heavier weight division. The duel of the Olympic champions became a treat for judo enthusiasts. Abe Uta was awarded a waza-ari score, and she nailed it with a grab. Winner and loser showed great sportsmanship.
Sanda Čorak, responsible for education at the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.
Abe Uta and her brother Abe Hifumi both won Olympic gold in Tokyo. “Me and my brother had a nice life after winning gold in Tokyo. Now we have a new goal, which is gold at the Paris games. We are determined,” said Abe Uta.
Nayafov: Excited by Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi
The trip to Zagreb was worthwhile for Yashar Najafow from Azerbaijan, because the 23-year-old achieved the highest honor in the weight class up to 66 kilograms, namely gold. Mohammed Meridja, responsible for education and coaching matters at the Judo Federation, presented the medals.
“The best moment for me was the throw in the semifinals: Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi. This is my favorite throw – and my best. And I’m on the podium,” said Nayafov.
The world rankings-23. Christa Deguchi from Canada impressed in the weight class up to 57 kilograms. The reward for the 2019 world champion was golden. Siniša Krajač, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Croatia, presented the medal.
The audience in Zagreb supported his compatriot Tihea Topolovec on the first day of the competition, and this Saturday world champion Barbara Matić will be on the mat.
