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Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb: The Olympic Champion is back!

The stage is set for the Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb!

In the weight category up to 48 kilograms, there was no way around Koga Wakana. The 21-year-old Japanese defeated Mélanie Vieu in the final. The Frenchwoman had just won gold at the Mediterranean Games. Laszlo Toth, President of the European Judo Federation, honoured the medallists.

There was a Kazakh victory in the lowest weight category of the men: Magzhan Shamshadin prevailed over Kim Won Jin from Korea in the final of the fighters up to 60 kilogrammes. Ante Žigman, Chairman of the Croatian Financial Supervisory Authority, performed the award ceremony.

Abe Uta and her brother are now setting their sights on Olympic gold in 2024

In the women’s up to 52 kilograms, Olympic champion Abe Uta competed in Zagreb. For the Japanese, it was the first competition since her success in Tokyo. And rust had not set in at all. Abe Uta fought her way into the final. And there it came to a clash with another Olympic champion: Distria Krasniqi from Kosovo, who now fights in the higher weight category. The duel of the Olympic champions was a treat for judo enthusiasts. Abe Uta was awarded a Waza Ari score, she made everything clear with a hold. The winner and the defeated showed great sportsmanship.

Sanda Čorak, responsible for education at the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.

Abe Uta and her brother Abe Hifumi had both won Olympic gold in Tokyo. “Me and my brother had a nice life after winning gold in Tokyo. Now we have a new goal, which is gold at the Paris Games. We are determined,” said Abe Uta.

Najafow: Thrilled with Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi

For Yashar Najafow from Azerbaijan, the trip to Zagreb was worthwhile as the 23-year-old achieved top honours, namely gold, in the 66 kilogram weight category. Mohammed Meridja, responsible for education and coaching issues at the Judo Federation, handed over the medals.

“The best moment for me was the throw in the semi-final: Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi. That is my favourite throw – and my best. And I’m on the podium,” said Najafow.

The world number 23 Christa Deguchi from Canada was convincing in the weight category up to 57 kilograms. The reward for the 2019 world champion was golden. Siniša Krajač, Secretary General of the Croatian National Olympic Committee, presented the precious metal.

The audience in Zagreb supported his compatriot Tihea Topolovec, among others, on the first day of the competition, and this Saturday world champion Barbara Matić will be on the mat.

By Julia