Touching opening at the judo Grand Slam in Budapest: over 200 Ukrainian refugee judokas living in Hungary shared the competition mat with their sporting idols.
The celebration was followed by another emotional moment, a minute of silence in memory of the former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abekilled a few days ago.
Marius Vizer, President of the international federation, accompanied by his deputy, László Toth, opened the event alongside the Hungarian Defense Minister, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
In the -63 kg category, the Japanese Horikawa surprised the Polish Szymanska with a quick footwork, scoring Waza-ari. With great stoicism, she conquered hers third gold in the Grand Slam.
The President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, presented the medals.
In the category -73 kg Heydarov of Azerbaijan shocked the reigning world champion Shavdatuashvili, contrasting him in the Golden Score: great enthusiasm for winning such an important match and awarding with medals delivered by the Hungarian Defense Minister SE Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
Category -70 kg, a perfect example of action-reaction: the Japanese Nizoe overcame the attack of Butkereit and got an ippon, while the local fans, enthusiastic about such a beautiful judo, congratulated her on her performance .
The medal was presented to her by the president and CEO of OTP Bank, Sandor Csanyi.
Finally, for the -81 kg category, the Brazilian Schimidt defeated the Olympic silver medalist Saeid Mollaei.
The medals were presented by the Hungarian Secretary of State for Sport, Adam Schmidt.
It was a day of celebration for many Hungarian children who cheered on their heroes who fought hard on their home turf. Waiting for the heavyweights Hungary aims to obtain more gold.
