Yasar Najafov of Azerbaijan won the 66-kilo category in just 13 seconds at the Grand Slam tournament in Baku on Friday.
Locals filled the Azerbaijani capital’s Heydar Aliyev Stadium with high hopes and were not disappointed.
The event was officially opened by the International Judo Federation together with local officials who welcomed the global judo family to their beautiful country.
Yasar Najafov then took the stage in the gold medal match against Japan’s Takeshi Takeoka. And just 13 seconds later, he gave the cheering crowd exactly what they had come to see, taking home gold for the host nation with that huge uchi mata. The audience was enchanted by this incredible judo spectacle.
The medals were presented by the General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, Mr. Azer Aliyev.
Najavov said afterward: “I wanted to win this medal because I’m at home, and I did. The Azerbaijani people love judo and everyone was watching.”
In the 48kg weight category, Italy’s Assunta Scotto, ranked first in the world, faced home favorite Leyla Aliyeva. Although Aliyeva fought hard, some clinical work earned the Italian star the gold medal.
After Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mariana Vasilieva presented the medals, Scotto commented on his victory. She said: “Winning when I’m tired is a great achievement for me because it means I’m improving and I’m very happy with this gold.”
The 60kg category saw neutral athletes compete against Hamza Zairbekov and Ramazan Abdullaev. After a close final match, with waza-ari scoring from the penalty spot, both embraced in a true demonstration of the values of judo.
International Judo Federation President Laszlo Toth was then present to present the medals.
In the 52kg category, Japan’s Kisumi Omori fought a decisive battle against the Olympic lightweight champion, Distriya Krasniqi of Kosovo, in a close contest that lasted until extra time, and the tactical victory went to Japan.
The Director General of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Vlad Marinescu, presented the medals.
In the final category of the day, it was Nora Jakova of Kosovo against Eteri Lipartiliani of Georgia. The Olympic champion achieved victory in the ministerial.
announcement
The medals were presented by the Chief Referee of the International Judo Federation, Florin Daniel Lasko.
2023-09-23 06:09:39
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