Judo-loving Mongolia hosts the Judo Grand Slam tournament for the second time. And in the 66 kilo class, Mongolia celebrates its hero: Yondonperenlei Baskhuu.
Judo-loving Mongolia is hosting the Judo Grand Slam Tournament for the second time. In the Steppe Arena in the capital Ulaanbaatar, the audience, especially the next generation of Mongolian judo, passionately cheers on their national team.
In the weight category up to 48 kilograms, Japan’s Yoshioka Hikari won her first Grand Slam gold. Erdenet-Od Khishigbat of the International Judo Federation Executive Committee presented the winners with their medals.
Nagayama Ryuju claimed his 10th Grand Slam title in the 60 kilo weight category with a combination of a hebe-uchi-mata and a fantastic te-waza.The Japanese took time out for his little Mongolian fans right after the fight before receiving his medal from Ariun-Erdene Batbayar, the Governor of Bulgan Province.
In the weight category up to 52 kilos, Israel’s Gefen Primo achieved her first victory over the world champion and Olympic champion Amandine Buchard – a wonderful moment in her career, which she celebrated with her coach. Her medal was presented by Naser AL Tamimi, the General Treasurer of the International Judo Federation.
Mongolia celebrates her hero: Yondonperenlei Baskhuu
In the 66 kilo class, Mongolia had its hero: Yondonperenlei Baskhuu. In the final he met the champion of Dushanbe, Obid Dzhebov, and won tactically. The crowd erupted in cheers and fans queued for an autograph from the man of the day. The medals were presented by His Excellency Battulga Khaltmaa, President of the Mongolian Judo Federation.
“I feel great, I especially want to thank the President of the Mongolian Judo Federation, Mr Battulga, he cheered me on a lot,” said Yondonperenlei Baskhuu.
Mongolia has their hero, and his name is Yondonperenlei Baskhuu! JudoUlaanbaatar Judo Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Sport OlympicQualifiers RoadToParis2024 WJT Olympics pic. twitter.com/3UEI8UdbgM
– Judo (@Judo) June 23, 2023
World champion Christa Deguchi is unstoppable
In the 57 kilo weight class, reigning world champion Christa Deguchi made her first appearance since the world championships. In an all-Canadian final, she met her teammate and rival Jessica Klimkait and ably demonstrated why she now wears the red badge.She was presented with her gold medal by Michael Tamura, sports director of the International Judo Federation.
“I have been to many countries, but I feel especially comfortable in Mongolia,” said Christa Deguchi. “They cheer a lot, cheer me on, and I hope I can give the children some little dreams. When I go back, I want to dream about it again, it was very nice.”
A successful day of competition for Mongolia, with a gold medal and dynamic battles.
Don’t miss the rest of the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam this weekend with many judo stars and exciting matches.