3 min to read
Posted on

Judo Grand Slam in Budapest: Reka Pupp has her home victory.

Budapest in judo fever! The Grand Slam in the Hungarian capital has begun.

In the weight category up to 48 kilograms, Olympic silver medallist Funa Tonaki was in strong form, winning her eleventh World Tour gold medal. She received the medal from the hands of the President of the World Judo Federation, Marius Vizer.

Verstraeten with good footwork

Belgian Jorre Verstraeten shone in the men’s up to 60 kilograms with convincing footwork and prevailed in Budapest in this way. The award ceremony was performed by Jean-Luc Rouge, Secretary General of the World Judo Federation.

The judo enthusiasts in Budapest got their money’s worth when their compatriot Reka Pupp took to the mat. She faced Giulia Carna from Italy. Pupp was awarded two waza-ari scores and took the first gold for the domestic Hungarian Judo Federation. Max-Hervé George, managing director of Ultima Capital, presented the reward.

It was a huge pleasure to win a medal at home for the first time, the Hungarian said. She had been in the final before, but missed out on victory. This time she managed to give back to the audience all that she had received from them over the years, Pupp said.

Hifumi Abe: First competition since Olympic victory and gold again

Olympic champion Hifumi Abe competed for the first time since his Tokyo win. And was that a comeback! The Japanese was unbeatable, showing judo with a bang and dominating his opponents.

In the final of the weight category up to 66 kilograms, he faced Rakhimjon Subhonov from Uzbekistan. The Uzbek defended himself to the best of his ability and caused difficulties for the Olympic champion. But it was not enough and Hifumi Abe prevailed. He was presented with the gold medal by Paolo Naoni, managing director of Atena. No one can beat him at the moment, said the Olympic champion confidently.

There was another gold for Japan thanks to Haruka Funakubo, who won in the 57 kilogram competition category. IOC member Daniel Gyurta presented the medal.

Budapest has hosted the World Judo Tour for years. The first day of competition at the Grand Slam showed why: strong support in the stands and strong fights.

By Julia