Assunta Scutto and Odette Guiffrida won gold for the Italian Judo Federation on the first day of competition at the Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam.

The Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam is open! 450 judoka from 77 countries are competing for a total of 14 sets of medals.

Assunta Scutto took victory in the weight category up to 48 kilograms. The world number one from Italy faced Turkey’s Sila Ersin in the final and came out on top. Scutto already won the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi in 2021

Marius Vizer, President of the World Judo Federation, presented the medals.

There was a French victory in the men’s category up to 60 kilograms. Cédric Revol is 29 years old, but he had never won a Grand Slam before. Hungarian IOC member Balazs Fürjes was responsible for the award ceremony.

“This is my first title. I’ve won two medals here before, I like it here. Four participations, three medals, one of them gold. This is the right place for me, maybe I’ll spend my next vacation here,” said the Frenchman.

Guiffrida has fond memories of Abu Dhabi

Odette Guiffrida completed the Italian double victory in Abu Dhabi. She was unbeatable in the weight class up to 52 kilograms. The deputy chairman of the World Judo Federation Obaid Al Anzi presented the Italian with the precious metal.

“I think it’s good here. It’s very hot outside – that’s great for making weight. It’s magical, I have really good memories of Abu Dhabi. It was my third medal here. I hope there will be more. We’ll see,” said Giuffrida.

Vascha Margvelashvili from Georgia had to go into overtime in the final of the 66 kilogram weight class – where he was awarded a waza ari score.

The Chairman of the United Arab Emirates Judo Federation, Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Alderei, presented the medals

57 kilograms: Canadians among themselves

The final in the women’s up to 57 kilograms was an intra-Canadian affair: Jessica Klimkait and Christa Deguchi fought tooth and nail. Klimkait had the better end for herself.

Jabr Al Suwaidi, Minister of State of the host country, honored the winner with the gold medal.

Narmandach Bayanmunch from the United Arab Emirates took bronze on the first day of the Grand Slam and caused great excitement among the local judo enthusiasts.