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Judo Grand Slam in Budapest: Riner’s return

The third and final day of competition at the Judo Grand Slam in Budapest began with the appointment of former Hungarian President Pál Schmitt as ambassador of the World Judo Federation. His first official act: he honoured the President of the European Judo Federation, László Tóth.

Murao Sanshiro from Japan was the Grand Slam winner in the men’s up to 90 kilograms, he defeated Christian Parlati from Italy in the final. He received the gold medal from Corinna Keller, Vice President of Advertising Sales at CNN.

Bellandi won gold for Italy

Alice Bellandi of Italy took home the win in the 78 kilogram weight class. Inbar Lanir from Israel was defeated in the final. Haruki Uemura, member of the Executive Committee of the World Judo Federation took over the honouring of the winner.

“At the beginning I was nervous, but I had nothing to lose. I just had to fight, show my judo, be confident and think about my work. That worked out,” said Bellandi.

There was another Japanese victory in the men’s up to 100 kilograms: Iida Kentaro had the best arguments on his side. He defeated Varlam Liparteliani from Georgia in the final. The golden reward was presented by Mustapha Berraf, President of ANOCA.

In the women’s highest weight category, Tomita Wakaba and Idalys Ortiz faced each other in the final. The Japanese won her second Grand Slam this year. Tomita Wakaba had achieved the first one in Paris. Carlos Zegarra, vice-president of the World Judo Federation, handed over the medals in Budapest.

Riner is back

Frenchman Teddy Riner has been one of the best judo heavyweights in the world for years. Three Olympic gold medals and ten world championship titles speak for themselves. But the 33-year-old had yet to win the Grand Slam in Budapest. Now he has that in the bag, too. Riner defeated Jelle Snippe from the Netherlands in the final. Naser Al Tamimi, treasurer of the World Judo Federation, performed the award ceremony.

“This was my return about a year after the Olympics. It is difficult to mark your return after so many years of my career at a Grand Slam. It’s a great day for me. Now I know where I stand at international level,” said Riner.

Veg causes jubilation in the hall

The host Hungarian Judo Federation also had a reason to celebrate on the final day: 20-year-old Zsombor Veg won bronze in the men’s up to 100 kilograms.

The Japanese judo federation was the lonely leader in Budapest: Eight gold medals went to the country of origin of the martial art at the weekend.

By Thomas