Judo Grand Slam of Baku: Strong start for local judoka

The Azerbaijan Judo Federation had reason to celebrate on the first day of the Baku Grand Slam: Jashar Najafov won gold and Leyla Aliyeva won silver.

The Baku Judo Grand Slam has begun. 446 judoka from 61 countries are competing this weekend. After the officials’ words of welcome, the many judo fans in the stands were able to cheer on a medal right away. Leyla Aliyeva made it to the final in the 48-kilogram weight class, but the judoka from Azerbaijan was beaten by Assunta Scutto from Italy.

The Deputy Azerbaijani Minister for Youth and Sport, Mariana Vasilewa, presented the winner with her medal.

“Winning despite being tired is a great result. It means I’m making progress. I’m happy about the gold medal,” said Scutto.

Ramazan Abdulayev and Zairbek Gazmatov fought it out for the victory in the men’s -60 kg category. Abdulayev came out on top in the final, keeping his opponent and friend in check with a headlock. Laszlo Toth, the Vice-President of the International Judo Federation, was in charge of the medal ceremony.

In the 52-kilogram weight class, gold went to a representative of the country of origin of judo: Kisumu Omori defeated Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi in the final. The Japanese woman was awarded by Vlad Marinescu, Secretary General of the World Judo Association.

Najafow: In 13 seconds to gold

In Baku, Jaschar Najafow was roared to victory by his fellow countrymen. The 24-year-old faced Takeshi Takeoka in the final of the 66-kilogram weight class. After just 13 seconds, it was all over: Najafow put the Japanese on the mat with an uchi-mata, an inner thigh throw.

Najafov received his gold medal from the hands of Azer Aliyev, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan.

“I wanted this medal because I feel at home here. I did it. The people in Azerbaijan love judo, everyone was watching. Thank you for your support,” said the Grand Slam winner.

In the women’s -57 kg category, Olympic champion Nora Gjakova was the best. Florin Daniel Lascau, referee director of the International Judo Federation, presented her with the medal.

One gold and one silver: the host nation’s Azerbaijan judo association recorded an impressive result on the first day of the competition in Baku. More medals are at stake this Saturday.