Etiket: Ulaanbaatar

The final day of the Judo Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, was nothing short of spectacular, bringing top-tier judo to the vibrant Steppe Arena. The atmosphere was electric, with a strong Mongolian crowd cheering loudly as they witnessed the last thrilling matches of this year’s event. Many of the sport’s biggest stars were in attendance, all eager to grab those crucial qualification points leading up to the Los Angeles games.

In the -90kg category, the current world champion MURAO Sanshiro showcased his dominance, breezing through to the final where he faced off against KIM Jonghoon. The crowd erupted as MURAO executed a stunning throw, pinning his opponent and securing his ninth Grand Slam title. Can you believe it? This guy is on fire! Mr. Nicolas MESSNER, the Media and Judo for Peace Director of the International Judo Federation, was there to hand out the medals, adding to the excitement of the moment.

Then came the thrilling -78kg final, a clash between experience and youth. The elder stateswoman, 36-year-old Audrey TCHEUMEO, battled against the 22-year-old sensation Yelyzaveta LYTVYNENKO. With both having two victories in their previous encounters, it was anyone’s match. But in a nail-biting finish, LYTVYNENKO outlasted her seasoned opponent. Mr. Naser AL TAMIMI, the General Treasurer of the International Judo Federation, awarded the gold medal, marking a significant achievement for the young athlete.

Over in the -100kg final, Gennaro PIRELLI met Idar BIFOV in a match marked by caution and strategy. After a tense exchange, PIRELLI was deemed the more active competitor and was ultimately awarded the gold medal by Mr. Sergey SOLOVEYCHIK, the President of the Russian Judo Federation. Talk about a nail-biter!

The anticipation reached a fever pitch in the +78kg category as ARAI Mao squared off against Romane DICKO. Fans were on the edge of their seats, and ARAI didn’t disappoint. She secured the victory by tying her opponent up to force a submission, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The medals were handed out by Mr. Ganbaatar DAGVADORJ, President of MAX group, a partner of the Mongolian Judo Association, making the moment all the more special.

Meanwhile, in the heavyweight +100kg division, it was the former world champion KIM Minjong up against Irakli DEMETRASHVILI. KIM managed to clinch the title on this impressive day, completing a dominating performance that left fans buzzing. The final gold medal of the day was presented by Mr. Vladimir BARTA, the Head Sport Director of the International Judo Federation.

What an incredible day it was! As the crowd cheered, the message was clear: thank you, Mongolia, for an unforgettable Grand Slam experience. And guess what? We’re not done yet! We’ll be back next week for a Grand Prix in Qingdao, China. So, what’s next for these athletes? The excitement continues!

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

The second day of the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam in Mongolia was just as thrilling as the first. The Steppe Arena was packed with a lively and eager crowd, as the first qualification points for the LA Olympic cycle drew out the biggest names in the world of judo. Before the intense matches kicked off, spectators were treated to a vibrant opening ceremony filled with traditional performances and dances. Mr. Naser AL TAMIMI, the International Judo Federation General Treasurer, officially declared the event open. Not to be outdone, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Mr. Uilstuguldur ALTANKHUYAG, and Ulaanbaatar City Mayor, Mr. Purevdagva BYARUUZANA, also shared their warm remarks, setting an electrifying tone for the day.

In the -63 kg category, the current world champion KAJU Haruka continued her flawless streak, extending her unbeaten record on the world Judo Tour with an impressive performance. She faced off against former world champion Joanne VAN LIESHOUT in a final that was nothing short of tactical brilliance, showcasing her dominance on the tatami. The medals were awarded by the Olympic Silver Medallist and World Champion, Ms. Sumiya DORSJUREN, adding a touch of prestige to the ceremony.

Moving on to the -73 kg final, the home favorite Ankhzaya LAVJARGAL went up against Jack YONEZUKA. The atmosphere was electric as the Mongolian fighter thrilled his supporters by scoring a waza-ari during the golden score period, sending the crowd into a frenzy. His medal was presented by Mr. Uilstuguldur ALTANKHUYAG, further solidifying the event’s importance in Mongolian sports.

Meanwhile, another world champion, TANAKA Shiho, was making her mark in the -70 kg final. She battled against Aoife COUGHLAN, managing to catch the Australian on the edge for a yuko, securing her spot at the top. The Logistics Director of the International Judo Federation, Mrs. Louisa AGIUS GALEA, was present to award her gold medal, adding to the day’s excitement.

The -81 kg category final was highly anticipated, featuring Korea’s LEE Joonhwan against Japan’s OINO Yuhei. It was a clash of titans, and LEE emerged victorious with a stunning ippon, earning gold for the Republic of Korea and marking a stellar day for the tatami. Mr. Armen BAGDASAROV, Head Referee Director of the International Judo Federation, awarded the medals, highlighting the event’s competitive spirit.

Lastly, Uranbayar ODGEREL showcased a textbook Tai-otoshi on his way to capturing another bronze medal for Mongolia, rounding off a day filled with emotional victories and heart-stopping moments.

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, one couldn’t help but wonder what the next day would bring. Would Mongolia continue its dominance, or would new challengers rise to the occasion? The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and fans were ready for more action on the tatami.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Japan kicked off the first day of the Judo Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar with a spectacular display of skill and determination. Competing in the Mongolian capital, Japanese athletes dominated the mats, showcasing their expertise and tactical prowess. The event, which took place on a sunny Saturday, saw Japan securing multiple medals, confirming their status as a powerhouse in the judo world.

The competition began with the under-60 kg category, where Japan’s judoka took the gold with a series of swift throws and strategic grappling techniques. It’s quite remarkable, isn’t it? The crowd erupted in cheers as the Japanese fighter executed a flawless ippon, leaving no chance for his opponent. Meanwhile, in the women’s under-48 kg division, another Japanese competitor snatched victory, demonstrating agility and strength that left everyone in awe. Can you believe the energy in the arena?

As the day progressed, the atmosphere grew more electric. Spectators were on the edge of their seats, witnessing breathtaking matches that showcased not only the skill but also the heart of the athletes. Every match told a story, filled with tension and excitement. The Japanese team’s coordination and discipline were evident, and it’s no surprise that they walked away with a significant medal haul. They really are the best at what they do!

Notably, the competition wasn’t just about winning; it was a celebration of judo itself. Athletes from around the world came together, sharing their passion for the sport. Japan’s success on the opening day has set the bar high for the upcoming rounds, and fans are left wondering: can they keep this momentum going? The next few days promise to be just as thrilling, with more matches lined up that could shake up the leaderboard.

As we continue to follow this event, one can’t help but think about how these athletes prepare for such intense competitions. What goes on behind the scenes? How do they stay motivated? The world of judo is filled with dedication and hard work, and it’s inspiring to witness.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber