Paris Bercy is the venue for one of the most iconic stops on the World Judo Tour, an event with over 50 years of history. Day 1 of this Grand Slam proved to be an exciting event, just as the expectant judo fans had hoped.

Judo is energy and today IJF President Marius Vizer signed an agreement with Benjamin Lakatos, Chairman of the energy company MET Group for a partnership between the two sides.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Vizer and featured a fascinating kata and gymnastics demonstration: all the grace and precision of the sport and an inspiring start to the competition.

It’s fascinating to compete and win a medal with all this support today. It gives us all a lot of strength, thank you for that.
Priscilla Gneto
Judoka

And it got even better. A moment of pure joy and excitement for Blandine Pont in the 48 kilogram class. She won the first title here in Paris, with great emotion. The President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe presented the medals.

In the 60-kilogram category, Azerbaijan’s Aghayev cleverly countered the attack of France’s Revol and won gold. MET Group board member Benjamin Lakatos with the medals.

In the 52 kilogram class, Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi put in a lightning-fast Osoto-gari against Hungary’s Pupp Reka. The President of the OTP Bank Group Sándor Csányi presents the awards.

Ukraine took gold in the 66 kilogram class after an impressive performance by Bogdan Iadov against Battogtokh Erkhembayar. Judo Federation Executive Committee member and Kōdōkan President Haruki Uemura presented the medals.

I am very happy because this is a special audience here. It gives us athletes a lot of motivation. It’s a great feeling to win with so much support behind you.
Lasha Shavdatuashvili
Judoka

In the 57 kilogram class there was reason for France to cheer again. Priscilla Gneto defeated the former world champion Jessica Klimkait from Canada. Here the guest of the Judo Federation, Lord Edward Charles Spencer-Churchill presented the medals.

Lasha Shavdatuashvili is a legend in judo and today he showed his class again, with a victory over Brazilian Daniel Cargnin. The President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and IOC member Mustapha Berraf with the medals in the 73kg category.

In the 63kg category, Israel’s Gili Sharir surprisingly took gold against the highly favoured Nabekura Nami. The IJF Executive Committee and IOC member Yasuhiro Yamashita presented the medals.

Besides all the great judo competitions, there was a wonderful moment for the children among the spectators. They were able to meet one of the biggest stars of the sport in person, Clarisse Agbegnenou. A heartwarming moment and an inspiration for the next generation of French judoka. On Day 2, the heavyweights will take centre stage in the competitions.