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Judo Grand Slam in Astana: Italy celebrates a golden evening

The judo stars are fighting for the medals this weekend in Astana, Kazakhstan. And not only the home fans had reason to cheer.

The World Judo Tour is making a stop in Kazakhstan again – and in its capital Astana. Just like when the World Championships were held in 2015, the hall was once again full of judo fans who were looking forward to seeing their stars.

The event was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, together with the Director General of the IJF, Vlad Marinescu, and the President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev.

In the 48kg category, Italy’s rising star Assunta Scutto took her second Grand Slam gold with a spectacular fall technique.

The hall finally went wild when local hero Magzhan Shamshadin, competed in the 60 kg category. And he was able to outbox Frenchman Cedric Revol, giving Kazakhstan its first champion of the tournament. The fans celebrated their star.

“Thanks to all the Kazakh fans who supported me, we became champions together, which will not be the last time,” Shamshadin said.

In the 52 kg category, Odette Giuffrida took the second gold of the tournament for Italy with a quick change of direction. The athlete from Rome was also full of praise for the fans afterwards: the people were “really special”, said the 28-year-old. “I felt very comfortable. All the kids were screaming ‘Ode, Ode’. I thought, ‘Wow, this is for me?” and then I was really happy, it was really special today.”

In the 66kg category, Spain’s David García Torne claimed his second Grand Slam gold overall with a final attack.

And in the 57kg category, there was a rematch of the Tokyo Olympic final. And it could not have ended more dramatically – with a hip throw, Sarah Leonie Cysique from France surprisingly won her first gold medal of the World Judo Tour.

Tomorrow, Saturday, it continues with the second day in Astana.

By Arnold