Japan won three gold medals on the first day of competition at the Judo Masters in Budapest.
Budapest is the venue for the Judo Masters this weekend, hosting all tournament formats on the world tour.
Japan’s Wakana Koga secured the gold medal in the weight category up to 48 kilograms and was presented with it by Princess Tomohito, who is also an ambassador of the World Judo Federation.
Nagayama in front in the men’s 60 kg category
Her compatriot Ryuju Nagayama also had reason to celebrate. He won in Budapest in the weight category up to 60 kilograms. This was his third Masters victory after 2017 and 2019.
Bian Zhiliang from Taishan was responsible for the award ceremony.
Buchard defeats Olympic champion
In the women’s 52kg category, Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi and Amandine Buchard, who won Olympic silver in 2021, faced each other in the final. The fight went into overtime. In this Buchard was awarded a Waza Ari score: That was the victory – the Frenchwoman’s second in a Masters tournament.
Max-Hervé George of the Ultima Group handed over the precious metal.
“I am always happy when I can compete at the Masters. I love the challenge and fighting against the best judoka. It was very important for me to return to the top here,” said Buchard.
Ryoma Tanaka also showed himself in excellent shape in Budapest. The Japanese had to face world number one Denis Vieru from the Republic of Moldova in the fight for gold. Tanaka won the final of the weight category up to 66 kilograms in convincing manner, receiving the reward from the hands of Junyuan Zhang of Tianjin Shengzhi.
“It’s my first Masters tournament,” Tanaka said. “I have been working every day to win this tournament. Now I have succeeded and I am very happy.”
Klimkait takes gold for Canada
In the 57 kilogram weight category, Jessica Klimkait of Canada was unbeatable. In the final, she cleared France’s Sarah Leonie Cysique. The decision was made in overtime. Klimkait received an Ippon score and had every reason to cheer.
Mustapha Berraf, ANOCA President and IOC member, handed over the gold medal.
For the Hungarian Reka Pupp it was not enough for a medal in Budapest, but the youth nevertheless enjoyed her performance. Pupp came fifth in the weight category up to 52 kilograms.
An auspicious start to the Judo Masters weekend in Budapest!