The final that the whole country was waiting for came in the -70 kg category. Lara Cvjetko fought hard and scored a waza-ari against her compatriot Barbara Matic to climb to the top of the podium to the delight of the fans.
The Zagreb Judo Grand Prix returns for the second day.
Local enthusiasts prepared artwork and banners to support their favorite athletes.
The personal representative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Tomislav, officially declared the competition open, together with the Vice President of the International Judo Federation, Dr. Laszlo Toth and the President of the Croatian Judo Federation, Dr. Sanda Čorak. .
An impressive local club, Judo Club Profectus and Judo Club Ishi, then treated attendees to a demonstration of inclusive judo.
The crowd was euphoric during the bout in the women’s -63kg category, where Britain’s Lucy Renshall defeated Korea’s Jisu Kim, winning her first Grand Prix gold medal to the delight of the fans.
The personal representative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia presented the medals.
In -73kg, Jorge Cano García, from Spain, won his first medal in the World Judo Tour with an incredible ippon, the public was overflowing with emotion and everyone demanded his autograph.
The Federation’s Director of Education and Training, Mohammed Meridja, hands out the medals.
“I feel very good to win this gold, and it’s incredible to get out of the tatami and sign autographs, take pictures with people… and see the expression of the children,” Garcia told reporters.
Sagi Muki, from Israel, stunned his opponent by performing two waza-ari and winning another gold for his collection.
The representative of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, Ivan Jusic, presented the medals.
The final that the whole country was waiting for came in the -70 kg category. Lara Cvjetko fought hard and scored a waza-ari against her compatriot Barbara Matic to climb to the top of the podium to the delight of the fans. Respect and friendship reigned between the two Croatian stars.
ADVERTISINGThe director of Education of the Federation, delivered the medals.
Cvjetko confessed to the media: “It felt really good to be part of the huge crowd cheering for both of us, and I felt really motivated for the fight when I heard the voices of the children, my loved ones, my coach and everyone cheering me on. It was a very special feeling, but also a very tough fight.”
Local judokas delighted with their ippon displays at Arena Zagreb, packed with young judokas. An inspiring show for the next generation.
The second day of the Zagreb Grand Prix has been a showcase for the best judo in the world.
