The energy was electric for this second day of the Baku Grand Slam. The National Gymnastics Arena was packed with enthusiastic fans, and the local champions did not disappoint.
The final began with the under 63 kg category, with two young rising stars. Poland’s Angelika Szymanska won with a waza-ari after a close fight against Hungary’s Szofi Ozbas, winning her first Grand Slam title.
IFJ Sports Director Vladimír Bárta presented the medals.
“The atmosphere is amazing, the children here love judo, it’s a very popular sport in Azerbaijan so I’m very happy to be here, to win here and to enjoy my victory with the children” said Angelika Szymanska after her victory.
Full success for Azerbaijan in the under 73 kg category, with Hidayat Heydarov in charge. With the whole crowd behind him, Heydarov finished the match in style, with a huge seoi-otoshi. The stadium chanted his name throughout the tournament. An inspiring show for the next generation of young judokas present in the stadium.
“I hope that my team members will repeat my success here. I also hope that there will be other Olympic champions from Azerbaijan and I would like to be one of them” he declared after his match.
He received his medal from Elnur Mammadli, vice-president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and Olympic champion.
In the under 70 kg category, Greek powerhouse Elisavet Teltsidou defeated Spain’s Ai Tsunoda Roustand with a waza-ari, earning her an impressive 4th Grand Slam gold medal.
The medals were presented by IFJ Ambassador Antonio Castro.
The day ended with another gold medal for Azerbaijan. The under 81 kg title went to local hope, Zelim Tckaev, who beat Austrian Olympic bronze medalist Shamil Borchashvili.
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Mövlud Mirəliyev, Olympic and world bronze medalist, presented the medals.
This second day was marked by the success of the Azerbaijani team. Ippon after ippon, its judokas imposed themselves throughout the day, creating an electric atmosphere in Baku.
Continuation and end of this Grand Slam this Sunday.
2023-09-23 21:41:34
#double #gold #medal #Azerbaijan #Baku
