The second day of Ulan Bator Judo Grand Slam witnessed a majestic opening ceremony before a packed stadium. Mongolian traditional costumes and amazing dances were the best way to welcome a new day of judo.
The President of the Mongolian Judo Association, Khaltmagiin Battulgaand the Director General of the International Judo Federation, Vlad Marinescu, also participated in a ceremony that delighted all attendees, whether they were local or international audiences. Judo knows no borders.
Already on the tatami, Nami Nabekura won the first gold of the day by beating the Israeli in the final under 63 kilos Gili Sharir with a big sweep. Japan already has three golds in this Grand Slam.
The founder and CEO of Champions Camp, Namsrai BatsaikhanHe was in charge of handing out the medals.
“My favorite technique is the uchi-mata,” confessed the champion, “but today my ashi-waza, ko-uchi-gari and ko-soto-gari were effective. I was able to show variations in my technique. It was a good overall experience.”
Lee continues to amaze
All eyes were on this Saturday on the return of Takanori Nagase, the current Olympic champion under 81. Ulaanbaatar was his first tournament with that weight on his shoulders, despite which the experienced Japanese judoka was calm and collected as always. His first fight was won by ippon after a fantastic o-soto, a technique that he handles like nobody else.
But his next rival, the young South Korean Joonhwan Lee I wouldn’t make it that easy. So much so that, to everyone’s surprise, Lee ended up beating the Japanese and later reaching the grand final, which he would play against the Austrian. Shamil Borchashvili.
The South Korean would execute there, and as he did against Nagase, a fast falling technique that earned him victory and gave him his second gold medal in an International Judo Federation competition.
The mayor of the city of Ulaanbaatar, Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazardid the honors on the podium.
“I am very grateful that so many people cheered me on today,” said Lee after the victory. “I will do my best to meet that expectation in the future.”
The Mongolian team is more than fulfilling in this Grand Slam, and this Saturday the Olympic bronze was added to that party, Tsogtbaatar Tsend-Ochir. With a fantastic judo, he won the silver medal in less than 73 to add the ninth medal for his country.
The Grand Slam of Ulaanbaatar concludes this Sunday with the heaviest fights. Don’t let Judo stop.
