The third day of the Baku Grand Slam held another success for the host country. Zelym Kotsoiev was the hero of the day and crowned the performance of the Azerbaijani judo team, which won gold on all three days in Baku.
Kotsoiev gives Azerbaijan the triple! 50 years of Judo in Azerbaijan and they strike Gold every single day of the Baku Grand Slam – what a powerhouse Judo nation!!!
Follow the action at https://t.co/Gupw1a0ll6JudoBaku Judo Baku Azerbaijan Sport Olympics pic. twitter.com/6gBSzRxug1
– Judo (@Judo) November 6, 2022
When I walked onto the tatami, there was immediately this incredible atmosphere. Losing was not an option, and the gold medal for the 50th anniversary of the Judo Federation in Azerbaijan makes me especially proud.
-Zelym Kotsoiev-
Won the third gold for Azerbaijan
Day 3 medallists JudoBaku pic.twitter.com/dHlFUcdaJL
– Judo (@Judo) November 6, 2022
50 years of Azerbaijan Judo Federation – a sporting competition of generations set a mark: Throughout the Grand Slam, many children and young people were in the stadium to cheer on their heroes.
One of these young fans got the chance of a lifetime: 8-year-old Muhammed was allowed to compete against former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Saeid Mollaei at the end of the Grand Slam, with Azerbaijani Olympic champion and judo icon Elnur Mammadli at his side as coach.
There is no doubting Alice at -78kg, her 5th World Tour Gold in the new weight category this year!
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw1a0ll6JudoBaku Judo Baku Azerbaijan Sports Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo pic. twitter.com/q3zivU61j7
– Judo (@Judo) November 6, 2022
In the 78kg class, Italy’s Alice Bellandi returned to the form she had shown all year after a disappointing World Championship. A fantastic attacking combination brought her gold.
The people cheered, they love judo. And it’s really good to give interviews, and people ask “can I have a photo of you” – that’s cool.
-Alice Bellandi-
Gold in the class up to 78kg
In the 90kg weight class, veteran Marcus Nyman made another successful comeback to judo’s elite, defeating Nemanja Majdov with a fantastic foot sweep.
Yet another unbelievable comeback for Nyman! 11 years of World Judo Tour podium topping – WHAT an athlete!
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– Judo (@Judo) November 6, 2022
Over 78kg Milica Zabic took the only gold for Serbia against Portugal’s Rochele Nunes.
Beautiful dropping tehcnique by Milica Zabic – Gold for Serbia!
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– Judo (@Judo) November 6, 2022
In the over 100kg weight category, Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan won his first gold medal at a Grand Slam in the final against Alisher Yusupov of Uzbekistan.
Power is Nothing Without Control – https://t.co/xGVcGqt707
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw1a0ll6JudoBaku Judo Baku Azerbaijan Sports Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo pic. twitter.com/G42lVVBQMn
– Judo (@Judo) November 6, 2022
Gold on all three days of the tournament to mark the 50th anniversary for Azerbaijan. The rest of the local team also cut a fine figure – and made their homeland proud.