Just a week ago, the 2022 Judo World Championships ended in an exceptional atmosphere in Tashkent.
14 judokas in different categories were crowned world champions and local heroes were born, leaving unforgettable memories for judo fans in Uzbekistan and around the world.
The World Judo Tour returns to the United Arab Emirates this Friday, with big names in judo battling it out at the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi.
The young Georgian champion at the top
In the under 60kg category, last week’s world bronze medalist Yung Wei Yang made his way to the final. He faced the very young Georgian Giorgi Sardalashvili (19 years old) who gave one of the surprises this Friday by winning gold against the experienced Yang.
The president of the International Judo Federation (IJF), Marius Vizer, presented the medals to the winners.
“Yang is a very high level judoka, but before this fight, with my coaches, we had studied his techniques and he was ready for the final. You can see the result, I won the gold medal.” explica Giorgi Sardalashvili.
French Astride Gneto in gold
The French Astride Gneto had arrived in Abu Dhabi with the firm intention of climbing to first place in her category: – 52 kg.
The experienced judoka lived up to her ambitions. In the final, Astride Gneto faced Uzbek judoka Diyora Keldiyorova, but Astride did not give her a chance.
Very dominant, Astride Gneto won the first gold medal for France in Abu Dhabi.
The medals were presented by Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Al Derie, president of the Emirates Judo and Wrestling Federation.
“I am very happy, because my first medal in a Grand Slam was in Abu Dhabi when I was a junior and today was a good day, I am satisfied”, Astrid Gneto said.
european rule
In -48kg, Spain’s Julia Figueroa won gold with a fantastic sacrificial technique.
The Director of International Relations of the International Judo Federation, Juan Carlos Barcos, presented the medals.
At -66kg, Italian Elios Manzi did two almost identical waza-ari against Serbian Strahinja Buncic. The Italian won his first gold medal at a Grand Slam.
Obaid Al Anzi, vice president of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals to the judokas.
The surprise
In the -57 kg category, South Korea’s Mimi Huh won the final victory against Kosovare’s Nora Gjakova. It is a great victory in a day when youth triumphed over experience.
The medals were delivered by the vice president of the International Judo Federation, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko.
It was a great day of judo, but what does Day 2 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam hold for us? It will continue this Saturday.
Tags: French Judo Astride Gneto wins gold medal Abu Dhabi Grand Slam
