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Judo Grand Slam in Astana: Success for Greece and Tajikistan

The second day of the Judo Grand Slam tournament in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana was marked by exciting encounters. Greece and Tajikistan take gold.

In Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, the second day of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam tournament was marked by exciting encounters in the Barys Arena. Young judokas and fans from all over the country filled the stadium for this important judo event and cheered on their heroes.

On the occasion of the Grand Slam, the International Judo Federation presented Olympic silver medallist Askhat Zhitkeyev with the 7th Dan diploma for his commitment to the development of judo in Kazakhstan as well as internationally.

In the 63kg weight class, Kim Jisu of Korea defeated Katharina Haecker of Australia by catching her opponent twice with the same attack. A dynamic and hooking O-uchi-gari technique gave the Korean her first ever Grand Slam gold! Yesset Baiken, the deputy mayor of Astana, presented her with the medal.

Korean Kim Jisu v Australian Katharina Haecker. Di Feliciantonio Emanuele / IJF
Korean Kim Jisu v Australian Katharina Haecker. Di Feliciantonio Emanuele / IJF

In the men’s up to 73kg, Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov managed to win his 2nd World Tour title in two consecutive tournaments. With a successful throw Makhmadbekov, who competed as a country-neutral individual athlete, defeated his Polish opponent Adam Stoddolski and won the gold medal. He received it from the General Secretary of the Kazakh Judo Federation, Dr Askhat Zhitkeyev.

Pole Adam Stoddolski vs. Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (country neutral individual) Di Feliciantonio Emanuele / IJF
Pole Adam Stoddolski vs. Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (country neutral individual) Di Feliciantonio Emanuele / IJF

Elisavet Teltsidou wins against Sanne Van Dijke

Up to 70kg, Elisavet Teltsidou was in blinding form all day. This tremendous hip throw, a judo style she is known for, was her highlight on the way to the final.

There she faced Olympic bronze medallist Sanne Van Dijke and took advantage of a weak attack by the Dutchwoman to claim her second Grand Slam gold of the year.Presented by Armen Bagdasarov, Director of Referees at the International Judo Federation.

“The Kazakh crowd was very warm and cheered me on in the final. I want to thank them, it’s a very different feeling,” said Elisavet Teltsidou after the award ceremony.

Somon Makhmadbekov takes gold against Guilherme Schmidt

In the men’s up to 81kg Somon Makhmadbekov from Tajikistan also managed two World Tour victories in two consecutive tournaments. He first beat a former Olympic champion on his way to the final, then won tactically against rising star Guilherme Schmidt of Brazil. The medals were presented by Mohammed Meridja, director of education and coaching at the IFJ.

“I would like to thank the Kazakh spectators, they motivated me, I also saw some of my fans who I would like to thank as well,” said Somon Makhmadbekov.

Brazilian Guilherme Schmidt vs Tajik Somon Makhmadbekov IJF
Brazilian Guilherme Schmidt vs Tajik Somon Makhmadbekov IJF

Kazakhstan celebrated another tournament day. Although it was not enough for gold, two local athletes made it to the bronze competition with a great sporting performance.

By Frank