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Judo Grand Slam in Tokyo: Twelve gold medals for Japan

The final day of the Judo Grand Slam in Tokyo – dubbed the spiritual home of the sport – featured bouts in eight weight categories.

In the women’s up to 48 kilograms, Kano Miyaki continued the Japanese supremacy of the previous day, defeating Rina Tatsukawa in the final.

Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation, handed out the medals.

Olympic champion Akira Sone was back in action for the first time since the Tokyo Games. One had the impression that she had never been away. Sone won in the over 78 kilogram weight class. Settimo Nizzi, Mayor of Olbia, honoured the winner.

“It’s great that not only on a national level but also on an international level many people are watching my judo. I think many of my opponents are also watching and looking at my judo, so I have to get stronger and work harder. I thank the public for watching, it gives me a lot of strength,” said Sone.

Pirelli interrupts Japan’s supremacy

In the men’s up to 100 kilograms, Italy’s Gennaro Pirelli interrupted Japan’s supremacy to win. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, chairman of the African Judo Federation, presented the medals.

“I can’t believe it. To come here and win a medal was my goal and my coach’s goal. I am speechless and happy.”

Uta Abe stormed through the preliminary rounds and the final was a rematch of the 2018 World Championships gold medal match, with Olympic champion Abe winning against Ai Shishime thanks to her good tactics, and was delighted to win gold in Tokyo in the 52 kilogram weight category in front of her home crowd. She received the medal from the hands of Jean-Luc Rougé, Secretary General of the World Judo Federation.

South Korea was on top in the weight category up to 60 kilograms: Jeon Seungbeom cheered about his first victory in a world tour tournament. The joy had to come out.

After silver at this year’s World Championships, Joshiro Maruyama secured victory in the men’s up to 66 kilograms in Tokyo.

Twelve out of 14 gold medals for Japan

Rika Takayama prevailed over ne-waza specialist, namely Olympic champion Shori Hamada, in the 78 kilogram weight class.

Hyoga Ota completed a successful day in the men’s over 100 kilograms with a victory over Kokoro Kageura with the help of an O-Uchi-Garis. Japan won twelve of the 14 gold medals in Tokyo. A great result.

The atmosphere in the Tokyo hall was excellent, with judo enthusiasts queuing up to watch their heroes. All age groups were represented, judo says: Thank you Tokyo and thank you Japan!

By Julia