The town of Almada witnessed an unbelievable final day of the 2023 Portugal Grand Prix. The stadium was packed and able to go, filled with keen followers to observe the heavyweights placed on a present.
Below 90 kgs class
Within the below 90kg class, Bulgaria’s Ivaylo Ivanov defeated stalwart Krisztian Toth of Hungary. The 2 shared a beautiful second of friendship and sportsmanship completely appreciated by the Portuguese crowd.
Skander Hachicha, IJF Sport Director was readily available to award the medals.
“In Judo, you all the time must respect your opponent. We’re buddies as a result of we’re the identical age,” defined Ivanov. “We’ve got kids, he has, and I’ve. He was very pleased earlier than our battle, he despatched me a message saying “I’m very pleased to battle with you” – Me too! That is the game (that) I give every part within the battle, and after that we’re buddies.”
Below 78 kgs class
Within the below 78kg class Patricia Sampaio was the hero of the day, giving the house crowd what they got here for! Blasting her approach by the preliminaries, she appeared completely decided to take the Gold medal for Portugal.
Absolutely targeted, Sampaio took a tactical victory within the last, which noticed her take her first Grand Prix Gold and ship the stadium into raptures. A beautiful second for Portuguese Judo.
She was awarded her medal by Ines de Medeiros, the Mayor of Almada, and the stadium stood tall for the anthem.
“It was unbelievable to have so many individuals right here,” stated Sampaio. “I’m not from Lisbon, I reside two hours away, so two full automobiles got here right here to scream for me, with my household and buddies from the membership. It was wonderful, it was unbelievable. I’ve no phrases for every part I heard immediately from the group. It was wonderful.”
Below 100 kgs class
Within the below 100kg class, Ilia Sulamanidze from Georgia overcame Japanese Teen Dota Arai, cementing his place as World primary.
He was awarded his medal by IJF Refereeing Supervisor Carlo Knoester.
Over 78 kgs class
Within the over 78kg class, Kim Hayun turned over Rochelle Nunes, ending Portuguese hopes for one more Gold.
The medals had been awarded by IJF Refereeing Supervisor Cathy Fleury.
Over 100 kgs class
Within the over 100kg class, Kim Minjong made it 4 Gold medals for Korea, placing their nation on the highest of the medal desk.
With two Golds and one Silver, and a few passionate Judo, the Portuguese staff can rely this Grand Prix as a implausible success. The Judo household can’t wait to return subsequent yr.
