A judo-loving country, Mongolia hosted its second Grand Slam in the bustling capital, Ulaanbaatar. The Steppe Arena was filled with a passionate crowd ready to cheer on their powerful national team.
With the next generation of Mongolian judo in the audience, it was time their local heroes gave them good reason to cheer them on.
In -48 kg, the Japanese Yoshioka Hikari took her first Grand Slam gold. Erdenet-Od Khishigbat, member of the Executive Committee of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.
But there were more successes for Japan. Nagayama Ryuju capturing his 10th Grand Slam title at -60kgwith a combination of this lifting uchi-mata and some te-waza, Nagayama took the title, and celebrated with some of his fans.
Mr. Ariun-Erdene BATBAYAR, Governor of Bulgan Province, presented the medals. In -52 kg, the Israeli Gefen Primo beat the world medalist for the first time in her life and Olympian Amandine Buchard, in a magnificent moment of sportsmanship that she has celebrated with her coach.
**Mr. Naser AL TAMIMI, General Treasurer of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.**In -66kg Mongolia had its hero and his name was Yondonperenlei Baskhuu. In the final he faced Dushanbe champion Obid Dzhebov and scored a tactical victory. The crowd rose to their feet in a wonderful hometown celebration, with all the fans present queuing up to meet the man of the day.
Su His Excellency Battulga Khaltmaa, President of the Mongolian Judo Association, presented the medals. “It’s absolutely amazing to have the crowd cheering me on, and I would like to especially thank the Mongolian Judo Association President Mr. Battulga, he cheered me on a lot!”
At -57kg, reigning world champion Christa Deguchi made her first appearance since the Worlds, and she looked unstoppable. Her teammate and rival Jessica Klimkait faced her in the final and Deguchi showed why she now owns the red patch.
A large group of fans with banners and photos were waiting for her when she left the mat. Mr. Michael Tamura, Sports Director of the International Judo Federation, presented him with the gold medal.
“I’ve been to many countries, but I think Mongolia is like, not a hometown, but I feel comfortable here. They encourage me a lot, they cheer me on, and I hope I can inspire little dreams in children. When I come back tonight, I want to dream about this again, I felt very good,” Deguchi said.
Mongolia continues to be successful, not only clinching the gold medal, but the whole team putting on dynamic judo throughout the day for their fans. Stay tuned for the rest of this weekend’s Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam as more stars and exciting judo are on the way.
