The Judo Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, ended with performances by the heavyweights. The home team finished the event in fourth place in the medal table
The last day of Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi this year was on par with the previous two. A decidedly successful event for the United Arab Emirates, which chose the stage of the Mubadala Arena to host it.
Nei -90kg, Mansur LORSANOV he executed a masterful throwing technique that landed his opponent on his back and thus earned him the title. Naser AL TAMIMI, general treasurer of the IJF, presented him with the gold medal.
Anna Monta OLEK she confirmed her extraordinary form in the -78 kg final. Thanks to an o-uchi-gari against her opponent she achieved a waza-ari and therefore controlled the match, winning her first Grand Slam gold medal. At the end of the race, fatigue soon gave way to joy for the German. Obaid AL ANZI, vice president of the IJF, presented the medals.
The final in the -100 kg category saw Michael KORREL win gold with a perfectly executed ashi-guruma. The Dutchman was ecstatic after winning his sixth Grand Slam gold. Siteny RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO, vice president of the IJF, presented him with the gold.
Coralie HAYME he took the top step of the podium in the +78 kg category. She took advantage of an opponent’s mistake to secure the match and win the gold. IJF Vice President Carlos ZEGARRA presented the medals. In the +100 kg Valerii ENDOVITSKII he threw and held former world medalist Ushangi Kokauri, taking the title in the category. Haruki UEMURA, member of the IJF Executive Committee and president of the Kodokan, presented the medals.
This marks the end of an event in Abu Dhabi that thrilled the public, also thanks to the two gold medals arrived for the host nation: a historic result for the United Arab Emirates, who closed the Grand Slam finishing fourth in the medal table. Testifying to the Arab nation’s commitment to the development of judo.
