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Judo Grand Slam in Tbilisi: Two Serbian wins on first day of competition

The Georgian capital Tbilisi welcomes top judoka from all over the world. The Grand Slam: As always, well attended and the atmosphere in the stands was great. No doubt about it: Georgia is judo country.

In the weight category up to 48 kilograms, Serbian fighters were among themselves. Milica Nikolic defeated Andrea Stojadinov. Vladimir Barta, sporting director of the world federation, handed over the medals.

Bayramov in the lead in the men’s up to 60 kilograms

The home crowd was hoping for gold in the men’s up to 60 kilograms, but Giorgi Sardalashvili had to settle for second place. Turan Bayramov from Azerbaijan put a spoke in his wheel and tasted success. Shengeli Pitskhelauri from the Georgian security service was in charge of the award ceremony.

Diyora Keldiyorova celebrated one of the biggest victories of her career so far in Tbilisi. In the weight category up to 52 kilograms, she even eliminated Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi. As so often, Keldiyorova went on the attack, and the Uzbek’s approach bore fruit. Canadian Michael Tamura, who works for the world federation as sports director, handed over the well-deserved reward.

“Defeating the Olympic champion is the result of the technical and tactical work I did with my coaches. For me, this is a big step forward that brings me closer to my dreams,” said the winner.

First gold for Kyrgyzstan

Kubanychbek Aibek Uulu won gold for Kyrgyzstan. And that has never happened before on the Judo World Tour. The victory in the weight category up to 66 kilograms was also Aibek Uulu’s first major success on the international stage. His trump card in Tbilisi was his excellent footwork. So far, the 22-year-old was ranked 53rd in the world, and this victory makes him a tidy step up. Mohammed Meridja, responsible for educational matters at the World Judo Federation, presented the precious metal.

“I and my coaches are very pleased. Today we celebrate, but already tomorrow I go back to work, because next week I will be on the mat again in a competition. I also want to thank my parents who always support me and are now sitting at home in front of the TV,” said Aibek Uulu.

Second win for Serbia

There was another Serbian victory in the women’s up to 57 kilograms: Marica Perisic won and received gold from the hands of referee director Florin Daniel Lascau.

The judo enthusiastic audience in Tbilisi is still waiting for the first Georgian gold medal on this Grand Slam weekend. Even Olympic silver medallist Vasha Margwelashvili could not fulfil this hope. This Saturday and on Sunday, the Georgian judoka will have more opportunities to win precious metal.

By Julia