On the last day of competition at the Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb, the focus was on the heavyweights. An Olympic champion also won gold.
On the last day of competition at the Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb, the heavyweights got their chance.
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Lara Cvjetko and Barbara Matić as well as Hedvig Karakas signed autographs, were available for photos and conducted a training session with young people.
In the competition venue in the Croatian capital, the ranks were full.
Krisztian Toth from Hungary celebrated his eighth tournament victory on the world tour. In the competition class up to 90 kilograms, the 29-year-old was the best man in Zagreb. In the final he won against Mihael Zgank from Turkey. Toth received the gold medal from the hands of his compatriot and namesake Laszlo Toth, deputy chairman of the World Judo Federation.
“I like Zagreb and Croatia very much. For example because of the beach. And because of the training camp, which is excellent. It was an amazing feeling. And the audience likes me too. It was a great day,” said Krisztian Toth.
Already on the first day of competition there were two Brazilian victories in Zagreb – and now the third: Karol Gimenes won gold in the women’s class up to 78 kilograms. She received the gold reward from Sanda Čorak, Director of Education of the World Judo Federation.
“I felt like I was in Brazil. We always have a large crowd there. I felt the same here. It was like home. I felt good, it was a great feeling,” said Gimenes.
Aleksandar Kukolj from Serbia celebrated in the men’s category up to 100 kilograms. He clinched the Grand Prix victory by beating the Portuguese Jorge Fonseca in the final. Martin Poiger, Secretary General of the European Judo Federation, took over the award ceremony.
Kayra Özdemir from Turkey celebrated in the highest women’s weight class. The native of France didn’t let Milica Zabić stop her either, who challenged her in the final. Tomislav Čuljak, Honorary President of the Croatian Judo Federation, honored her.
In the men’s heavyweight division, i.e. the weight class over 100 kilograms, Lukas Krpálek from Zagreb was the winner. The Czech, twice Olympic and world champion, defeated Hyoga Ota from Japan in the final. Vladimir Barta, Sports Director of the World Judo Federation, presented the gold medal.
There was no precious metal for the Croatian association on the final day, but that didn’t dampen the good mood. All 14 gold medals have been awarded, the Zagreb Judo Grand Prix is over.
2023-08-20 20:22:55
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