With Lara Cvjetko and Barbara Matić, two Croatian judoka faced each other in the final in the weight category up to 70 kilograms. Cvjetko ultimately prevailed at the Grand Prix in Zagreb.

And this is what happened on the second day of competition at the Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb: Small judo enthusiasts had prepared themselves especially, namely with self-made items.

Tomislav Družak brought a message of greeting from the Croatian Prime Minister. The Vice-President of the World Judo Federation, Laszlo Toth, and the President of the Croatian Judo Federation, Sanda Čorak, also spoke words of welcome.

This was followed by the performance of judoka from local clubs (Judo Club Profectus and Judo Club Ishi), who proved that this sport is suitable for everyone.

British Lucy Renshall prevailed in Zagreb in the weight category up to 63 kilograms. She defeated Jisu Kim from South Korea in the final.

Tomislav Družak, personal representative of the Croatian Prime Minister, handed over the precious metal.

Already the second gold medal for the Spanish Judo Federation at the Grand Prix in Zagreb: Jorge Cano Garcia was the best in the men’s up to 73 kilograms. Mohammed Meridja, responsible for education and training issues at the World Judo Federation, performed the award ceremony.

“I feel great because I won gold. It’s great to sign all the autographs, take light pictures and see the joy of the kids after you leave the mat,” said Cano Garcia.

There was a victory for an Israeli judoka in the 81 kilogram weight category as Sagi Muki, the 2019 world champion, won the gold medal in Zagreb. It was his ninth success at a world tour tournament.

Ivan Jušić, the envoy of the Croatian Minister of Defence, handed the medal to the winner.

In the weight category up to 70 kilograms, the local judo enthusiasts got their money’s worth in Zagreb. With Lara Cvjetko and Barbara Matić, two Croatian judoka faced each other in the final. Cvjetko won, both showed sportsmanship.

Sanda Čorak, who works for the World Federation as Director of Education, awarded the winner.

“It’s great to be part of this audience. It cheered us both on. It really spurred me on when I heard the voices of the kids, my loved ones and my coach. Everyone was cheering me on. It was a very special feeling, but also a dogged fight,” said Cvjetko.

The success of the Croatian judoka was to the taste of the many people in the stands. The competition continues this Sunday with the third and final day of competition at the Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb.