The Portugal 2023 Grand Prix in Almada, the stadium full of enthusiastic fans eager to see the judo heavyweights on the final day.
In the under 90kg class, Bulgarian Ivaylo Ivanov won over the strong Krisztian Toth from Hungary in a sporting fair contest. Skander Hachicha, Sports Director of the IJF, presented the medals.
_”In judo you must always respect your opponent. We are friends and we are the same age. We both have children, and before our fight he sent me a message: ‘I am looking forward to our fight’. That’s sport – in the fight I give everything, and afterwards we are friends.”
_
Ivaylo Ivanov, Gold – 90kg
Wonderful sportsmanship shown by these 2 titans of the -90kg category – a fine example of our sports! Gold for Bulgaria!
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw1a0ll6 JudoPortugal Judo Portugal Sport Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo OlympicQualifiers pic. twitter.com/WL2yhSvIde
– Judo (@Judo) January 29, 2023
Patricia Sampaio was the hero of the day in the 78kg class, giving the Portuguese crowd what they came for! She fought her way through the preliminaries, determined to win the gold medal for Portugal. And she did.
Wow! The crowd go crazy for Patricia Sampaio, filling the arena screaming her name – She is -78kg champion!
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw1a0ll6 JudoPortugal Judo Portugal Sport Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo OlympicQualifiers pic. twitter.com/3u4KBiaAYY
– Judo (@Judo) January 29, 2023
With full concentration and a tactical win in the final, Sampaio took her first Grand Prix gold, the stadium was in raptures over this victory for Portuguese judo. Ines de Medeiros, Mayor of the city of Almada, presented her with the well-deserved precious metal.
“It’s unbelievable that so many people were here. I’m not from Lisbon, I live 2 hours away, my family and friends from the club sat in the cars to cheer me on… I have no words for what I experienced today from the…”
Patricia Sampaio Gold -78kg
Picture perfect from Arai as he books his place in the -100kg final!
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw1a0ll6 JudoPortugal Judo Portugal Sport Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo OlympicQualifiers pic. twitter.com/MN9ccC59GF
– Judo (@Judo) January 29, 2023
In the under 100kg weight class, Ilia Sulamanidze of Georgia defeated Japanese youngster Arai to consolidate his position as world number 1. He received his medal from IJF Referee Supervisor Carlo Knoester.
Kim Hayun silences the home crowd, taking a solid win over home favourite Rochele Nunes
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw1a0ll6 JudoPortugal Judo Portugal Sport Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo OlympicQualifiers pic. twitter.com/VJTG5ZQlce
– Judo (@Judo) January 29, 2023
Over 78kg Kim Hayun took away Portugal’s hopes of another gold, with Rochelle Nunes taking silver. Presenting the medals was IJF referee Cathy Fleury
Day 3 Female medallists of JudoPortugal pic.twitter.com/NkppjY30ye
– Judo (@Judo) January 29, 2023
In the over 100kg category alone, Kim Minjong took four gold medals for South Korea, who finished top of the medal table with a total of six medals. Second place went to host Portugal with two gold and one silver medal. The Portuguese judo team can chalk up this Grand Prix as a great success.