The capital of Kazakhstan vibrated again with the best fighting. This Sunday, last day of competition.
second day of Judo Grand Slam in AstanaKazakhstan, with a Barys Arena bursting again to enjoy the fights of the best judokas on the planet.
On the occasion of the celebration of this tournament, the International Judo Federation wanted to present its seventh dan diploma to the Olympic silver medalist Askhat Zhitkeyev, for his contribution to the development of judo, both in Kazakhstan and internationally. Undoubtedly, a recognition more than deserved.
Already on the tatami, the final of less than 63 kilos faced kim jisu with Katharina Haecker. The South Korean surprised the Australian with the same attack twice. An o-uchi-gari technique that gave her what is her first gold in a Grand Slam.
Yesset Baikendeputy mayor of Astana, handed out the medals for less than 63.
Another gold for Makhmadbekov
In less than 73, Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov He achieved his second victory in the World Judo Tour, in two consecutive tournaments. Thanks to an effective rotation, he immobilized the Pole Adam Stodolski to climb to the top of the podium.
The General Secretary of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Askhat Zhitkeyevhe gave him his valuable metal there.
The greek Elisavet Teltsidou he stayed in top form throughout the day. With an impressive hip throw, very trademark of the house, he made clear his intention to reach the final of less than 70.
There awaited the Olympic bronze sanne van dijke. Teltsidou took advantage of a weak attack by the Dutchwoman to win her second gold of the year in a Grand Slam.
Armen Bagdasarovdirector of refereeing of the IJF, delivered the medals.
“The Kazakhstan public has been very warm, cheering me on in the final,” the champion recounted afterwards. “I want to say thank you, it’s a different feeling.”
In less than 81 kilos, Somon Makhmadbekov he also took what was his second consecutive gold. After a difficult path to the final, the man from Tajikistan took a tactical victory against a rising star, the Brazilian Guilherme Schmidt.
The medals were awarded by Mohammed Meridadirector of Education and Training of the International Judo Federation.
“I want to thank the Kazakh public,” said the Tajik. “They were motivating me, and I also saw some of my fans that I would like to thank as well.”
Kazakhstan concludes the second day of the championship without achieving the long-awaited gold, but leaving very good feelings in front of their audience, with two bronzes and some moments of great sportsmanship.
The Astana Grand Slam concludes this Sunday with heavyweight bouts. There is still a lot of judo to see.
