Martínez-Abelenda Claims Bronze in Mongolia: Seventh International Medal in Judo
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia — Spanish judoka Ana Martínez-Abelenda won her seventh international medal in judo, securing bronze at the Mongolia Open with a decisive ippon in the women’s -57kg final. The victory extended her medal streak across major tournaments, including World Championships and European Championships.
Martínez-Abelenda, a standout athlete from FAMU (Fundación de Andújar para el Deporte y la Mujer), defeated her Mongolian opponent in the bronze medal bout with a clean sweep at 1:47 into the match. The win came after she lost in the semifinals to eventual gold medalist Tsogtbaataryn Tsogtbayar of Mongolia, who went on to claim the tournament title.
According to the International Judo Federation (IJF), Martínez-Abelenda’s bronze marked her first medal at the Mongolia Open, a tournament she has competed in previously without podium success. Her victory in Ulaanbaatar—held at the State University of Mongolia Sports Hall—came in a field that included top-ranked judokas from Japan, France, and South Korea.
The -57kg division at the Mongolia Open was one of the most competitive of the event, with six athletes advancing to the medal rounds. Martínez-Abelenda’s path to the bronze medal bout included a quarterfinal victory over Laura Fortunato of Italy, who had defeated Neon Kim of South Korea in the opening round.
Why This Medal Matters for Martínez-Abelenda’s Career
With this bronze, Martínez-Abelenda now holds seven international medals, including two from the World Judo Championships (2021 and 2023) and three from the European Judo Championships. Her consistency in securing podium finishes—despite not always competing for gold—has positioned her as one of Europe’s most reliable judokas in the lightweight divisions.
Her performance in Mongolia also comes as she prepares for the Grand Slam Paris later this month, where she will face a deeper field of competitors vying for Olympic qualification spots. According to European Judo’s official rankings, Martínez-Abelenda is currently ranked 12th in the world in the -57kg category, a position she has held since the 2023 World Championships.
Key Takeaway: While Martínez-Abelenda has yet to win a World Championship gold, her ability to secure medals in major tournaments—particularly in non-home events—has made her a consistent threat in international competition. Her bronze in Mongolia reinforces her status as a judoka who can perform under pressure, a trait that will be critical as she aims for Olympic qualification.
How Martínez-Abelenda Won: A Breakdown of the Bronze Medal Bout
The decisive moment in Martínez-Abelenda’s bronze medal bout came at 1:47, when she executed an uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) that sent her opponent crashing to the tatami. The throw was awarded an ippon—the highest scoring technique in judo—ending the match instantly.
According to IJF match reports, Martínez-Abelenda’s strategy in the bout focused on controlling the pace and exploiting her opponent’s reach disadvantage. She began the match with a series of tsukami (grips) designed to disrupt her opponent’s balance, then transitioned into a kumi-kata (grip fighting) phase that set up the throw.
Contrast with Earlier Matches: Unlike her semifinal loss to Tsogtbayar—where she was overpowered in a ne-waza (groundwork) exchange—Martínez-Abelenda’s bronze bout victory relied entirely on her tachi-waza (standing techniques). This shift in tactics highlights her adaptability, a trait that has been key to her success across different opponents.
What Happens Next for Martínez-Abelenda
Martínez-Abelenda’s next major competition is the Grand Slam Paris, scheduled for October 27–29, 2023 at the Accor Arena. The event will serve as a crucial qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she will face judokas vying for the final Olympic spots.
Her performance in Mongolia suggests she remains a top-10 world contender, but her path to Paris will require navigating a field that includes Tsogtbayar, who won gold in Ulaanbaatar.
Official Updates: The IJF will release the full Paris Grand Slam draw on October 20, 2023. Martínez-Abelenda’s seeding for the tournament will be determined based on her current world ranking and recent performances.
FAQ: Martínez-Abelenda’s Bronze Medal in Mongolia
How many international medals has Martínez-Abelenda won?
She has won seven international medals, including two from World Championships and three from European Championships. This bronze in Mongolia is her first at the Mongolia Open.
What does an ippon mean in judo?
Ippon is the highest score in judo, awarded for a throw that fully unbalances the opponent or a pin that lasts for 20 seconds. Martínez-Abelenda earned her ippon with an uchi-mata (inner thigh throw).
Who did Martínez-Abelenda defeat to win bronze?
She defeated a Mongolian judoka in the bronze medal bout, who had advanced after losing to eventual gold medalist Tsogtbaataryn Tsogtbayar in the semifinals.
When is the next Grand Slam tournament?
The next Grand Slam is in Paris, France, from October 27–29, 2023. Martínez-Abelenda is expected to compete in the -57kg division.
Martínez-Abelenda’s bronze in Mongolia adds another chapter to her rising story in judo. With Paris Grand Slam just weeks away, her next challenge will be proving she can compete with the world’s elite in her quest for Olympic qualification.
Follow Ana Martínez-Abelenda’s official profile for updates on her training and upcoming matches. For live results and analysis, check back at Archysport’s Judo coverage.
What do you think of Martínez-Abelenda’s chances in Paris? Share your predictions in the comments below.
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