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Three days of Judo Grand Slam in Baku – Three golds for Azerbaijan

The third day of the Baku Grand Slam held another success for the host country. Zelym Kotsoiev was the hero of the day and crowned the performance of the Azerbaijani judo team, which won gold on all three days in Baku.

When I walked onto the tatami, there was immediately this incredible atmosphere. Losing was not an option, and the gold medal for the 50th anniversary of the Judo Federation in Azerbaijan makes me especially proud.

-Zelym Kotsoiev-
Won the third gold for Azerbaijan

50 years of Azerbaijan Judo Federation – a sporting competition of generations set a mark: Throughout the Grand Slam, many children and young people were in the stadium to cheer on their heroes.

One of these young fans got the chance of a lifetime: 8-year-old Muhammed was allowed to compete against former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Saeid Mollaei at the end of the Grand Slam, with Azerbaijani Olympic champion and judo icon Elnur Mammadli at his side as coach.

In the 78kg class, Italy’s Alice Bellandi returned to the form she had shown all year after a disappointing World Championship. A fantastic attacking combination brought her gold.

The people cheered, they love judo. And it’s really good to give interviews, and people ask “can I have a photo of you” – that’s cool.

-Alice Bellandi-
Gold in the class up to 78kg

In the 90kg weight class, veteran Marcus Nyman made another successful comeback to judo’s elite, defeating Nemanja Majdov with a fantastic foot sweep.

Over 78kg Milica Zabic took the only gold for Serbia against Portugal’s Rochele Nunes.

In the over 100kg weight category, Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan won his first gold medal at a Grand Slam in the final against Alisher Yusupov of Uzbekistan.

Gold on all three days of the tournament to mark the 50th anniversary for Azerbaijan. The rest of the local team also cut a fine figure – and made their homeland proud.

By Klaus