Anna-Maria Wagner has won the Judo Grand Slam in Baku. The German won on the final day in the weight class up to 78 kilograms.
The third and final day of competition at the Judo Grand Slam in Baku featured the highest weight classes, as always at competitions on the world tour.
In the event hall in Baku, there were participants in a program that encourages young girls and women to take up martial arts.
Mikhail Igolnikov won Grand Slam gold in the weight class up to 90 kilograms. In the final against Ivajlo Ivanov, he was awarded two waza ari scores. Former judo world champion Elchan Mammadov, who now works for the Azerbaijani Judo Federation, was responsible for the award ceremony.
The German Anna-Maria Wagner won the only medal for the German Judo Federation in Baku. She defeated Alice Bellandi from Italy in the final of the weight class up to 78 kilograms. Wagner, the 2021 world champion, stood at the top of the podium at a world tour tournament for the ninth time
Mohammed Meridja, Head of Education at the World Judo Federation, presented the award to the German.
“It was easy for me. I felt very comfortable during the fight and knew at every second that I was stronger today. This strength of will and my self-confidence ensured that this fight went in my favor,” said Wagner after her victory.
The Georgian Ilya Sulamanidze impressed in the men’s category up to 100 kilograms. His opponent Matwej Kanikowskiy was unable to prevent him from winning. Sulamanidze, just 22 years old, claimed his fifth victory at a World Tour tournament. However, he had never won in Baku before.
His compatriot David Kevchishvili, deputy chairman of the Georgian Judo Federation, presented the medals.
“It’s a strange feeling, because the children here in the hall may not know who I am or where I come from. But they cheered me on wholeheartedly – even if it is a strange feeling. But it was a great pleasure,” said Sulamanidze.
Heavyweight: Souza and Tasoyev best
Beatriz Souza from Brazil won the heavyweight final against Rochele Nunes from Portugal. Neil Adams, former world champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist, awarded the winner
Inal Tasoyev prevailed in the men’s heavyweight category, defeating Guram Tushishvili in the final. Agajar Achundzada performed the award ceremony.
Selim Kotsoyev made the local Azerbaijani judo fans cheer. He won bronze in the weight category up to 100 kilograms.
The Baku Judo Grand Slam is over. See you again next year!