On the last competition day of the Judo Masters in Budapest, judoka from France and Finland took the victories in the highest weight classes.

And finally the heavyweights. This was also true for the Budapest Judo Masters. On the third and last day of competition, Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri secured gold in the men’s up to 90 kilograms. The Georgian received the medal from Marius Vizer, President of the World Judo Federation.

Lanir wins gold for Israel
In the weight category up to 78 kilograms, Inbar Lanir from Israel showed herself in splendid shape. The world champion had to deal with Madeleine Malonga from France in the final. Lanir did not hesitate for long, after less than a minute the decision was made and the Israeli was victorious.

Yasuhiro Yamashita, member of the Executive Committee of the World Judo Federation, congratulated and handed over the golden plaque.

“A quarter of me is Hungarian, I have family here. The country is like a second home to me. It was great, the atmosphere is great, everyone is very nice. I am happy every time I can come to Budapest,” Lanir said.

Let’s turn to the weight category up to 100 kilograms. Muzaffarbek Turoboev from Uzbekistan set out to claim the first Masters victory for his country after a decade of waiting. And he succeeded! Turoboev was awarded two waza-ari scores in the final, and that was the end of the matter.

World Judo Federation vice-president Carlos Zegarra took over the award ceremony.

“When I won the World Championship medal in Tashkent, I cried with joy. Eight months later, I have now won the Masters. It is such a great moment again that I am celebrating here in Hungary,” said Turoboev.

In the women’s heavyweight division, Frenchwoman Romane Dicko took gold, with Chinese Deputy Sports Minister Zhou Jianqiang presenting her with the award.

And in the men’s highest weight category, Martti Puumalainen from Finland secured the gold honours. Laszlo Toth, vice-president of the World Judo Federation, was in charge of honouring the winner.

Olympic champion Shohei Ono looked on
With Shohei Ono, one of THE greats of lightweight judo was in the hall, the two-time Olympic champion having ended his career in December 2022.

This judo personality and those on the mat provided the best visual lessons in Budapest – not least for the benefit of the local youth. The Judo Masters is over, the Hungarian capital has set standards.