The judoka made a spectacular start at the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi. Germany’s Seija Ballhaus secured gold in the lightweight category.
After the successful staging of the Judo World Championships in May this year, the World Judo Tour returns to Abu Dhabi with the first Grand Slam since the Olympic Games in Paris.
The ultra-modern city is once again ready to welcome some of the best judoka in the world. The Mubadala Arena was ready to go.
Victory for Giliazova in the super lightweight
Sabina Giliazova was able to secure victory in the lightest women’s weight class up to 48 kilograms. Stojadinov found no answer to Giliazova’s clever sumi-gaeshi in the final seconds.
IJF President Marius Vizer presented the medals.
Iznaur Saaev competed against Cédric Revol in the under 60 kilogram weight class and secured the gold medal with a waza-ari in overtime.
Balázs Fürjes, Hungarian member of the International Olympic Committee, honored the judoka.
Bishrelt wins historic gold for the hosts
Khorloodoi Bishrelt won gold for the hosts in front of their home crowd. She celebrated this historic moment for the UAE women’s team in style.
Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Al Derie, President of the United Arab Emirates Judo Federation, presented the historic medal.
“It was really hard, but I wanted this medal. These people support me and this competition is important to me,” said Bishrelt after her victory.
Murad Chopanov was at his best in the under 66 kilogram weight class. In a thrilling finale, he caught Frenchman Daiki Bouba twice: first for a waza-ari and then for the decisive ippon.
Icona Capital Managing Director Max-Hervé George honored the fighters.
“A big thank you to Abu Dhabi! I have many friends here who are competing for the UAE team. I wish them good luck and that they make their team proud. Now I will celebrate my success and recover,” said Chopanov with a grin on his face.
Ballhaus prevails in the lightweight division
Seija Ballhaus prevailed in the weight class under 57 kilograms. She controlled the final and secured the victory with a powerful Waza-ari.
René Fasel, Honorary President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, presented the medals.
After just seven seconds, the team from the United Arab Emirates delivered the first Ippon of the tournament and got off to a dream start.
ADVERTISINGAfter a thrilling first day, the anticipation for day two has increased even further.
