Just a week ago, the 2022 Judo Worlds 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 this Friday to the United Arab Emirates, with big names in judo battling it out at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.
The young Georgian champion at the top
In the under 60kg category, last week’s world bronze medalist Yung Wei Yang fought his way to the final. He faced the very young Georgian Giorgi Sardalashvili (19 years old) who created one of the surprises of 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 I was ready for the final. You can see the result, I won the gold medal” , explained Giorgi Sardalashvili.
The 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 didn’t 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 Wrestling and Judo Federation.
“I’m 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’m satisfied”, a dit Astride Gneto.
European dominance
In -48kg, Spain’s Julia Figueroa won gold with a fantastic technique of sacrifice.
International Judo Federation Director of International Relations Juan Carlos Barcos presented the medals.
In -66 kg, the Italian Elios Manzi made two almost identical waza-ari against the Serbian Strahinja Buncic. The Italian won his first Grand Slam gold medal.
Obaid Al Anzi, vice-president of the International Judo Federation, awarded the medals to the judokas.
The surprise
In the -57kg category, South Korean Mimi Huh won the final victory against Kosovare Nora Gjakova. It’s a huge victory on a day when youth triumphed over experience.
The medals were presented 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? To be continued this Saturday.
