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Judo Grand Slam in Ulan Bator: Double gold for Mongolian federation

Ulan Bator celebrated a premiere: For the first time, points for Olympic participation are also at stake at a Judo Grand Slam in the capital of Mongolia. More than 250 judoka from 30 countries are competing.

The first gold medal of the event went to the country of origin of the martial art, Japan. World champion Tsunoda Natsumi won in the weight category up to 48 kilograms, she was honoured by Laszlo Toth, Vice President of the World Judo Federation.

Nagayama as always attacking

And Japan also won gold in the men’s event: Ryuju Nagayama defeated the world leader Yung Wei Yang from Taiwan in the final. The Japanese fighter benefited from his attack-oriented fighting style. The reward was a precious metal from the hands of Sung-Min Kang, head of the World Martial Arts Committee.

Dijora Keldijorowa from Uzbekistan won the women’s 52 kg category. Ariun-Erdene Batbayar, Governor of Bulgan Province, presented the medals.

Battogtokh also thinks of the coming judo generation

Jubilation at the host Mongolian Judo Federation was triggered by Erkhembayar Battogtokh’s victory. He took gold in the 66 kilogram weight category, defeating his compatriot Sod-Erdene Gunjinlkham in the final to claim his first victory on the World Judo Tour. This success back home was completed by the fact that bronze also went to a local judoka, namely Baskhuu Yondonperenlei. The chairman of the Mongolian sports committee, Jargalsaikhan Dorjsuren, performed the award ceremony.

The Grand Slam winner said he was very happy because a lot of children are taking up judo now and the sport is being promoted in Mongolia. There were many children in the stands and that was great, he emphasised.

Lhkagvatogoo with tailwind and home advantage

And there was also a Mongolian success in the women’s up to 57 kilograms. Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo already won in 2016 in Ulan-Bator, back then it was a Grand Prix. The loud support from the stands spurred the 23-year-old on to top performances. Erdenet-Od Khishigbat, former top judoka and now a member of the World Federation’s Executive Committee, handed out the medals.

“It felt like every cheer, every applause gave me a power boost. A Grand Slam at home was a new feeling for me,” said the winner.

And it was only the start of the Ulan-Bator weekend. This means that the Mongolian Judo Federation has a chance to win more medals. The Japanese martial art is one of the most popular sports in Mongolia. The Grand Slam opener was promising, now it’s time for the sequel.

By Frank