The last day of the Jerusalem Masters once again offered a great show for judo enthusiasts. The public of the Païs Arena answered present to encourage the judokas!
In -90kg, Murao Sanshiro was in great shape. In the final, two waza-ari allowed the young Japanese star to win the title at the Jerusalem Masters.
Armen Bagdasarov, Director of Referees at the International Judo Federation (IJF), awarded the medals to the winners.
The rise of Alice Bellandi
This year was marked by the meteoric rise of the Italian Alice Bellandi. The judoka can add the title of Masters in the -78kg category to her record.
The medals were presented by Lisa Allan, member of the IJF ExCom.
“Israel is always amazing, the public celebrates the victory with me, as if they were my parents. It’s really very nice”, explained the young Italian judoka.
In -100kg, rising Georgian judo star Ilia Sulamanidze won gold. His medal was presented to him by Hili Tropper, Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports.
100% French final
First friends, then rivals, the +78 kg final saw the two French compatriots Romane Dicko and Coralie Haymé compete. It was Romane Dicko who won the gold medal and this is his second Masters in a row, after 2021.
The medals were presented by Shabtai Tsur, president of the ISBB.
In the +100 kg, the young Tatsuru Saito reached the final thanks to a magnificent judo. He held off Temur Rakhimov to win the heavyweight title.
The medals were presented by Florin Daniel Lascau, director of referees of the IJF.
“My mother takes care of me all the time, and supports me a lot. I’m so happy and happy to give her this title, the gold medal”, said the Japanese judoka who had a smile on his face.
judo in space
Famous astronaut Eytan Stibbe was honored by the Israel Judo Association and its president Moshe Ponte. Mr Stibbe had photographed himself in space with the flag of the judo association.
Each year, the Israeli leg of the World Judo Tour offers a fascinating spectacle. The passion of the local spectators is as high as the athletes they encourage!
Today, Peter Paltchik was their hero, the Israeli judoka rocked the Païs Arena. The children present in the room were delighted to see their Champion Raz Hershko up close?
2022 was full of emotion and what a great way to end the year with judo in the historic city of Jerusalem.
