Japan took four gold medals on the second day of the Judo Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Mongolia, it is the land of Genghis Khan, vast landscapes full of traditions, but also the bustling city of Ulaanbaatar. This is where the second Judo Grand Slam will take place.
Mongolian artists gave an insight into the country’s rich culture at the opening ceremony. The Secretary General of the International Judo Federation, Dr Lisa Allan, opened the competition together with Sodbaatar Yangug, Chief of Staff of the Mongolian President’s Office.
In the weight category up to 63 kilograms, Nabekura Nami showed herself in top form again, a fast footwork brought the decisive score in the final against the Hungarian Szofi Ozbas, much to the delight of the Japanese judoka. Bat-Erdene Badmaanyambuu, Mongolia’s sports minister, presented the awards to the athletes.
“I am happy to have fans in Mongolia,” said Nabekura Nami after the award ceremony, “wonderful to meet all the young people here and give them autographs. “
Ken Oyoshi executed a massive counter attack to win the title in the 73 kilo weight category. In the final he was up against nationally neutral atlethen Danil Lavrentev.
A beautiful moment he shared with his coach. His medal was presented to him by Sodbaatar Yangug. “I am happy that I could show my best performance here in Mongolia, it was great to show my best judo to the young judo fans,” said Japanese Ken Oyoshi.
A first gold medal on the WJT for Oyoshi Ken JudoUlaanbaatar Judo Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Sports OlympicQualifiers RoadToParis2024 WJT Olympics pic. twitter.com/zOvo43YX0o
– Judo (@Judo) June 24, 2023
In the weight category up to 70 kilos, Tanaka Shiho won with a tactical decision against Croatian Lara Cvjetko and celebrated with the judo enthusiastic audience.Dr. Lisa ALLAN, Secretary General of the International Judo Federation presented the medals.
The fourth gold medal for Japan goes to Kohara Kenya
In the 81 kilo weight category, Kohara Kenia claimed the fourth gold medal for Japan on the second day of the Grand Slam with a thrilling one-handed uchi-mata attack against Korea’s Lee Joonhwan. The medals were presented by the Deputy Governor of Ulaanbaatar City, Zundui Tumurtumuu.
Kohara Kenya completes a triumphant day for Japan, securing a fourth gold medal for the country JudoUlaanbaatar Judo Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Sports OlympicQualifiers RoadToParis2024 WJT Olympics pic. twitter.com/fKA673ZBUQ
– Judo (@Judo) June 24, 2023
Another hero of the second day of the tournament was Erdenebayar Batzaya, who secured the bronze medal in the 73 kilo weight category with a strong performance. He showed judo art with skillful change of direction and brought cheers with crowd.
A successful day of competition for the Japanese. Don’t miss the Judo Grand Slam final tomorrow in Ulaanbaatar.