The second day of the Grand Slam in Tbilisi offered another spectacle for judo fans from all over the world. In the arena, the local Georgian spectators had come to see their heroes.
In the weight class up to 63 kilograms, world number one Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard was once again in a World Tour final. There she met Angelika Szymanska. Beauchemin-Pinard undercut her opponent with a waza-ari and won gold. IJF sports director Michael Tamura presented the medals.
Gold for home favorite Lasha Shavdatuashvili
The home favorite, the 2012 Olympic champion and 2021 world champion Lasha Shavdatuashvili, fought in the class up to 73 kilos.
In the final, he took on the relatively unknown Karen Galstian and wasted no time in sealing the gold medal and the admiration of the audience with an absolutely massive lifting technique, classic Georgian judo.
The proud President of the Georgian Judo Federation, Giorgi Atabegashvili, presented him with his medals. “When I compete in front of my people, I can’t lose, I can only win. I’m just focused on winning. I thank my fans who always help me with extra motivation. I just have to fight to the end and make them happy “, I am doing this for my country. I am very happy with today’s victory that I achieved in front of my compatriots,” said Shavdatuashvili.
Gold again for Barbara Matic
The final of the category up to 70 kilos was held between the two world number one Sanne Van Dijke and Barbara Matic. An excellent reaction from Matic stunned her Dutch opponent and gave her the victory.
She received her medal from Chafik El Kattani, member of the IJF Medical Commission. “It’s really nice because they liked my throw and the atmosphere is very good, they cheer all day long. I like it here, I think it’s my happy place!” said Matic.
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Timur Arbuzov won confidently in the category up to 81 kilos. It was the youngster’s first gold. The medals were presented by IJF Chief Referee Director Armen Bagdasarov.
Avtandili Tchrikishvili, 2014 World Champion and three-time European Champion, is one of Georgia’s most powerful athletes. – IJF
Lots of Georgian national pride
Much Georgian national pride was on display during a ceremony honoring Avtandili Tchrikishvili. The 2014 world champion and three-time European champion is one of Georgia’s most powerful athletes.
In his speech, the President of the Georgian Judo Federation Giorgi Atabegashvili highlighted the commitment and achievements of Tchrikishvili, who announced his retirement from competition. A stylish farewell to a Georgian legend.
The spectators were enthusiastic about the Georgian teams and are looking forward to day three of the Judo Grand Slam in Tbilisi.
2024-03-23 21:05:44
#Farewell #Georgian #legend
