Judo: Strong start for the hosts in Astana
By Euronews with IJF
Published on •Updated
The World judo tour returned to Astana for this year’s edition of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam.
The arena was filled with spectators ready to see what was sure to be an exciting day of Judo.
In attendance was Republic of Kazakhstan President His Excellency Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Alongside International Judo Federation President Mr Marius Vizer.
In the -60kg category, Kazakhstan's Talgat ORYNBASSAR took on Sukhbat BYAMBASUREN of Mongolia. Competing in the final of his home tourna ment for the second year running. He settled for silver again as BYAMBASUREN claimed his first grand slam gold.
He was awarded his medal by CEO of Sovereign Wealth Fund “Sumruk-Kaznya”, Mr Nurlan ZHAKUPOV.
The -48kg final saw an in-form Amber GERSJES up against Narantsetseg GANBAATAR.
A yuko was enough to give GERSJES a first grand slam gold medal.
Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Yerbol MYRZABOSSYNOV was on hand to award the medals.
The -52kg final saw Blandine PONT compete against Khorloodoi BISHRELT.
A very close fought contest saw PONT score a Yuko, and claim gold!
Mr Naser AL TAMIMI. General Treasurer of the International Judo Federation awarded the gold.
A scintillating -66kg final saw Saigid KERIMOV fighting Abdurakhim NUTFULLOEV.
The Uzbek used an unusual kata-guruma technique to score the only yuko, and take home a gold medal.
Taking some time to celebrate with his fans before accepting his medal from
CEO of Harvest Group, Mr Almaz ALSENOV.
With the crowd still in full voice, the -57kg final saw an all French encounter as Faiza MOKDAR took on Chloe DEVICTOR.
Mokdar took full control of the contest, and after scoring early on, she pinned her compatriot and giving her no way out, she claimed the gold medal.
She was awarded the gold medal by Chairman and Group CEO of MET Group, Partner of the International Judo Federation, Mr Benjamin LAKATOS.
There were some great moments of action from the home team, showing the consistency of Kazak judo on the world stage and giving the passionate crowd plenty to celebrate! Ending the first day with 2 medals!
Join us tomorrow for the middle-weights!
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