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Judo Grand Slam Baku 2022 – Day 1

The kick-off of the Judo Grand Slam 2022 took place in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. It is a special year for Azerbaijani judo, 50 years ago their judo federation was founded.

A spectacular opening ceremony for local fans was opened by Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dr Laszlo Toth, Vice President of the IJF, and Rovshan Rustamov, Vice President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

The crowd went wild at the men’s under 60kg final – young star Balabay Aghayev won in a golden score to send his home judo fans into raptures.

When you fight in front of your loyal audience, with their support, it motivates you and you can’t even think about losing, even if you are tired, you don’t feel it, you can only succeed.

-Balabay Aghayev-
Gold medallist

In the women’s under 48kg, Italy’s Francesca Milani took on France’s European champion Shirine Boukli. The fight came to a quick end. A powerful hip throw, typical for Boukli, brought Ippon in the first 30 seconds and gave France the first medal of the tournament.

We are doing a difficult sport, that’s life. I use this for the next World Championships and my career. Today was a good day, I’m taking this with me – and I’m going to be the best.

-Shirine Boukli-
Gold medallist

In the 52kg category, Diyora Keldiyorova of Uzbekistan secured her second Grand Slam title this year with a tactical victory, while Denis Vieru of Moldova won the men’s 66kg category.

The 2019 world champion, Christa Deguchi, was at her best in the 57kg weight class – and took gold.

The spectators had a lot to cheer about today, not only gold for Azerbaijan but also 2 fantastic bronze medals for local hero Orkhan Safarov who scored Ippon with a brilliant moment.

To crown their success then this thunderous Ippon from Karamat Huseynov, showing that 50 years of judo have made Azerbaijan one of the strongest and most passionate judo nations in the world.

By Julian