Judo Fever Grips Tel Aviv as Shlomo arena Witnesses Thrilling grand Slam
The Shlomo Arena reverberated with the energy of passionate judo fans for three days straight, culminating in a spectacular Tel Aviv Judo Grand Slam. International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius Vizer presented the prestigious Jigoro kano statue to Israeli real estate magnate Amit Tal, recognizing his contributions to the sport.The competition was fierce, with athletes from around the globe vying for glory. In the men’s 90 kg category, Azerbaijan’s Mammadali mehdiyev delivered a stunning ura nage to defeat former Serbian world champion Nemanja Majdov, securing his 20th World Tour medal.
The women’s 78 kg division saw a thrilling final between Alina Böhm of Germany and Poland’s Beata pacut. Pacut, claiming her first-ever Grand Slam gold, edged out Böhm in a nail-biting golden score overtime. hungarian entrepreneur Michael Michaely presented the silver medal to Böhm.
Georgia’s Ilia Sulamanidze, last year’s Rising Star Award winner, continued his extraordinary streak by defeating judo heavyweight legend Michael Korrel. Israeli Knesset member Miri Regev presented Sulamanidze with his first Grand Slam gold.
France dominated the tournament, securing four gold medals. Romane Dicko, fresh off a silver medal win in Paris just two weeks prior, continued her winning streak, claiming gold in the over 78 kg category. Amit Tal, founder of real estate developer Bonei Ra’anana, presented the medals.
The spotlight shone brightly on Olympic silver medalist and former World Champion Guram Tushishvili, who triumphed in the 100 kg+ class. Israeli-Georgian singer and music producer Moris Janashvili presented the medals.
The final day belonged to the Israeli team, with the Shlomo Arena erupting in cheers for their national heroes. Raz Hershko and Peter Paltchik fought valiantly, securing two hard-earned bronze medals. The israeli team concluded the tournament with a commendable haul of one gold and four bronze medals.
France topped the medal table with four gold and four bronze medals, followed closely by Azerbaijan (2/1/1), Georgia (2/1/0), Japan (2/1/0), and Israel (1/0/4).
German Judo Team Shows Promise in Tel Aviv
Germany’s Alina Böhm added another silver medal to her collection, finishing second in the 78 kg category. The 23-year-old from Württemberg narrowly lost to European champion beata Pacut in a thrilling golden score overtime. This marked Böhm’s second grand Slam silver, following her success in Abu Dhabi in 2021.Hamburg’s Losseni Kone made a strong start in the over 100 kg class, defeating Evgeny Shmachilin of Israel. However, his journey was cut short in the round of 16 by Rafael Silva, the number one seeded two-time Olympic bronze medalist from Brazil.
unfortunately, the German women’s team faced a setback due to COVID-19 contact tracing, preventing two athletes from competing.
The Tel aviv Grand Slam proved to be a highlight of the World judo Tour, not only for the extraordinary athleticism on display but also for the electrifying atmosphere created by the passionate Israeli fans.
The IJF World Tour continues with the Grand Slam tournaments in Tbilisi, Georgia (March 25-27, 2022) and Antalya, Turkey (April 1-3, 2022).
Good evening, judo enthusiasts, and welcome to the electrifying conclusion of the Tel Aviv Grand Slam! The Shlomo arena has been absolutely buzzing with energy these past three days, a testament to the global passion for this incredible sport. [3]
We’ve witnessed displays of unmatched strength,lightning-fast reflexes,and unwavering determination from athletes all around the world. Every match has been a story in itself, showcasing the physical and mental fortitude that defines judo.As a moderator with years of experience in sports commentary and debate, I can confidently say that this Grand Slam has been one for the ages.
The culmination of this event saw the prestigious Jigoro Kano statue awarded to Israeli real estate magnate, Amit Tal, a true testament to his dedication and contributions to the advancement of judo. It’s truly inspiring to see individuals like Mr. Tal championing this sport and fostering its growth.
But tonight isn’t just about celebrating individual accolades; it’s about celebrating the spirit of judo itself. It’s about the camaraderie, the respect between competitors, and the indomitable human spirit that drives these athletes to push their limits. [1]
So, let’s give one final resounding applause to all the athletes who graced us with their skill and determination this weekend.And a huge thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and, of course, the passionate fans who made this Tel Aviv Grand Slam an unforgettable experience.
As we close out this incredible event, remember that the spirit of judo lives on, both on and off the mat.
