French Judoka Shine at Judo Grand Slam in Paris with Gold Medal Victories

???? Faïza Mokdar, Shirine Boukli, and Luka Mkheidze won gold medals on the first day of the Judo Grand Slam in Paris – in front of their enthusiastic audience.

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Paris, the City of Light, is considered a source of inspiration and innovation worldwide.

There is a lot at stake at the AccorHotels Arena just months before the Olympic Games. Before the judoka competed in the final here, there was a diverse program of martial arts and dance for the fans!

A fantastic home win for Luka Mkheidze

Luka Mkheidze won the gold medal in the under 60 kilo class – a fantastic home win for the Frenchman!

The partner of the International Judo Federation and President of OTP Bank Sandor Csanyi was present at the awarding of the medals in the weight category under 60 kilos.

The Georgian-born 28-year-old gold medalist said: “I am very happy because I have never won the tournament in Paris before. This year is a big celebration because it is the 50th edition of the Paris Grand Slam and me I’m happy to celebrate this.”

Shirine Boukli won Gold under 48 Kilograms in Paris

In the under 48 kilo weight class, the French Shirine Boukli won her first gold medal at the Paris Grand Slam – losing to the Japanese Koga Wakana in the final.

The medals were presented by former President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović.

After her victory, Shirine Boukli, also 28, underlined in an interview the strength she needed to prevail. “When it’s such a tough fight, you need a little more energy to push yourself and yes, I needed that today to win like that.”

Distria Krasniqi from Kosovo wins gold under 52 kilos

In the under 52 kilos class, Distria Krasniqi, Olympic champion under 48 kilos, had a tough fight against Great Britain’s Chelsie Giles. The Kosovar secured her third gold medal in Paris with a Waza-ari. IJF Vice President Laszlo Toth presented the medals.

Under 66 kilos, newcomer Takeshi Takeoka defeated the experienced Joshiro Maruwama in the Golden Score with a waza-ari.

IJF Treasurer Naser Al Tamimi presented the medals.

Faïza Mokdar with her first Grand Slam victory in Paris

In the under 57 kilo class, Faiza Mokdar won her first gold medal of the World Judo Tour on home soil! She defeated double world champion Christa Deguchi in the first minute.

IJF General Secretary Lisa Allan honored the winners.

Breathtaking ippons from the French judoka thrilled spectators throughout the day! The Paris Grand Slam is a tradition and a spectacle – which you can see more of this weekend!

2024-02-02 23:02:43
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