The third and final day of the Tbilisi Grand Slam did not disappoint the fans of some of the biggest judo stars
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After the first two exciting days of the Judo Grand Slam Tbilisi, the final one did not disappoint the fans’ expectations. The Georgian team once again proved to be in excellent form: a source of inspiration for the new generations approaching this sport.
In the -90 kg the reigning Olympic champion and hero of the home crowd, Lasha Bekauri, reached the final, in which he faced Eljan HAJIYEV. The home athlete scored an ippon and got the better of the Azerbaijani, also thanks to the incessant cheering. Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of Georgia Ioseb BAGHATURIA presented the medals. “I am very happy – commented Bekauri – there is such a beautiful atmosphere here and I love my people, I love my country. When I fight here I always do my best and now that I have won for the second time I am really very happy “.
Nikoloz SHERAZADISHVILI faced Shady ELNAHAS in the -100kg. A masterful counterattack by the Georgian-born Spaniard earned him the victory. Leri KHABELOV, president of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, presented the medals.
Nei -78 kg Yuliia KURCHENKO faced Guusje STEENHUIS: a Ko-soto gake was a winner for the Ukrainian athlete, who thus won the gold medal, which was presented to her by Nicolas MESSNER, director of IJF Media and Judo for Peace.
In the +78 kg the French Coralie HAYME and the German reached the final Renee AIR. Precisely in the last seconds of the match, the latter delivered the decisive blow, throwing and then holding her opponent to ensure the victory. The medals were presented by Neil ADAMS, world champion and two-time Olympic podium finisher. “It’s very nice – declared Lucht -, there are so many people, it doesn’t happen often. They cheer continuously, which doesn’t always happen: it’s really fantastic”.
Guram is UNDERSTANDING and Ushangi KOKAURI repeated the final of the 2018 World Championships in the +100 kg category, with the Georgian athlete once again imposing himself. The home crowd jumped to their feet to celebrate what for them was the perfect conclusion to the Grand Slam. Anzor CHUBINIDZE, head of the Special Protective Service of the State of Georgia, presented the gold medal.
Finally, Tbilisi celebrated a cornerstone of the Georgian national team. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist and six-time world podium finisher Varlam LIPARTELIANS. A special ceremony was reserved for him on the occasion of his retirement from competitions. Giorgi ATABEGASHVILI, president of the Georgian Judo Federation, thanked LIPARTELIANI and presented him with some awards. A celebration worthy of a great champion.
Finally, the Georgian team delighted the audience, thus concluding the three days of judo on a high note. See you next week in Antalya.
2024-03-24 20:31:39
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