Japanese athletes emerge from the Astana Grand Slam with their heads held high. Frenchwoman Romane Dicko confirms herself as the judoka to beat in her category
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The last day of Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam in Astana saw the heavyweights climb onto the tatami of the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, looking for precious points for the ranking and for qualification for the world championships and the Olympics. Once again the fans filled the stands to admire the best judokas in the world live.
Nei -90 kg, Yahor VARAPAYEU faced Olympic silver medalist Eduard TRIPPEL. The neutral athlete secured not only gold but also his first Grand Slam medal since 2018. Vice President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation Saken MUSSAIBEKOV presented the medals.
In the -78 kg final, world silver Zhenzhao MA faced the emerging German Anna Monta OLEK. Both athletes were sure they had the victory in their pocket but in the end the gold went to the Chinese athlete, who returned for the first time since 2022 to the top step of the podium of a Grand Slam. The medal was presented to her by the IJF’s educational and technical director, Mohammed MERIDJA.
A highly anticipated judoka was the Olympic champion Aaron WOLF. In the -100 kg he faced the dynamic Daniel EICH. After a series of attempts, the Japanese showed off his trademark: an uchi-mata to confirm his desire to defend his Olympic title in Paris. The medals were presented by world champion Maksim RAKOV. “Judo is very popular in Kazakhstan and I was happy to be able to compete in such a lively atmosphere,” commented Wolf.
The third day of the Grand Slam was a succession of stars: the former world champion and queen in the +78 kg Romane DICKO she overtook the Chinese Su YIN, confirming herself as the athlete to beat in her category. Thanks to a submission she was able to get the better of her opponent. The medal was presented to her by the IJF sports director, Skander HACHICHA. “It was very nice, because I heard the spectators shouting ‘Dicko, Dicko’. They actually pronounced ‘Disco’, but that’s okay. Even the kids were cheering, it was really nice and I think they liked the Grand Slam to everyone. It was the first time for me, but it won’t be the last.”
Nei +100 kg Saito TATSURU faced Tajik Temur RAKHIMOV. The Japanese judoka is one of the most interesting promises among the heavyweights in his country, and has shown himself in excellent form just a few weeks before the Olympics. The celebration confirmed how important this victory was for him. The medal was presented to him by Olympic silver medalist Askhat ZHITKEYEV.
This is how the Grand Slam hosted by Kazakhstan ended, but for fans there won’t be long to wait: the appointment is next week with the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
2024-05-12 18:58:28
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