The local team dominated the podium during the first day of the Judo Grand Slam.
Following a successful hosting of the World Judo Championships earlier this year, the World Judo Tour returns to Abu Dhabi for the first Grand Slam since the Paris Olympics, with the world’s best judokas at the Mubadala Arena.
It was Sabina Giliazova who won the lightest women’s weight title in the under 48 kg category. A sumi-gaeshi in the last seconds left his opponent Andrea Stojadinov no chance.
IFJ President Marius Vizer awarded him the gold medal.
Iznaur Saaev faced Frenchman Cédric Revol in the under 60 kg category. He won with a golden score waza-ari after a close battle. Balazs Fürjes, IOC member representing Hungary, presented the medals.
The Emirati Khorloodoi Bishrelt brought home gold for his country in the under 52 kg category! A historic moment for the UAE women’s team, which Bishrelt celebrated in style! Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Al Derie, President of the UAE Judo Federation, presented the historic gold.
“It was really hard but I wanted this medal. These people support me and this competition is important to me” Khorloodoi Bishrelt enthused after her match.
Murad Chopanov was in great shape in the under 66 kg category. In an exciting final, he overtook Frenchman Daiki Bouba twice! First for the waza-ari, then for the decisive ippon! Max-Hervé George, CEO of Icona Capital, presented the medals.
“A big thank you to Abu Dhabi! I have a lot of friends here who are competing and representing the UAE team. I wish them good luck and to make their team proud. Now I will celebrate my success and relax” said Murad Chopanov after his match.
Seija Ballhaus was the best in the field in the under 57 kg category. She controlled the final and won with a powerful waza-ari! The medals were presented by René Fasel, Honorary Life President of the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Just 7 seconds into the day, the UAE team also scored their first ever ippon of the tournament, giving them a dream start. We are therefore impatiently awaiting the performances of the other judokas in the coming days.
