The Grand Slam of Judo started this Friday in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. On this occasion, judo stars from all over the world made the trip… to the great pleasure of the spectators, who came in large numbers to the Olympic Sports Palace.
In the under 48 kg category, Korean Hyekyeong Lee beat Frenchwoman Laura Espadinha with an ippon to win the title.
IFJ Director of Education and Coaching, Mohammed Meridja, was on hand to present the medals.
In the under 60 kg category, Nurkanat Serikbayev faced Yam Wolczack in the final. The Kazakh scored waza-ari and won the gold medal.
He received his medal from Shengeli Pitskhelauri, Deputy Head of the State Security Service of Georgia.
“It’s my first competition in Tbilisi. And it’s a success. I’m very happy, I like the city. It’s very pleasant and friendly” said Nurkanat Serikbayev after his match.
In the under 52 kg category Ariane Toro Soler faced Ana Viktorija Puljiz. At the time of the Golden Score, the Spaniard gathered her strength to perform this enormous Uchi-mata… and win the gold medal.
She received her medal from Juan Carlos Barcos, IFJ coordinator for international refereeing seminars.
“I like being here because I won gold, but it’s a good city and it’s beautiful to stay here. It’s really good that people like judo, because it’s beautiful to see that they love this sport” commented Ariane Toro Soler.
Ivan Chernykh surprised everyone in the under 66 kg category by winning the gold medal in his first appearance on the IJF World Tour.
The medals were presented by Massimiliano D’Antuono, Italian Ambassador to Georgia.
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The next categories were the ones the crowd was waiting for. In the under-57kg category, local favorite Eteri Liparteliani advanced to the final where she faced former world champion Jessica Klimkait of Canada.
To the delight of the crowd, Eteri Liparteliani scored early in the fight and fought valiantly until the clock ran out.
She received the gold medal from Irakli Medzmariashvili, Georgian MP.
The Georgian team offered its fans plenty of thrills throughout the day of judo.
2024-03-22 22:10:22
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