Extra nice motion was on show on the second day of the Judo Grand Prix within the Croatian capital, Zagreb.
On the official opening ceremony, Tomo Medved, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, gave a speech, alongside Laszlo Toth, Vice President of the Worldwide Judo Federation and President of the European Judo Union.
Additionally current was Sanda Čorak, Schooling Director of the Worldwide Judo Federation and President of the Croatian Judo Federation.
They witnessed a particular demonstration by the Judo Membership for Individuals with Disabilities FUJI.
Within the competitors, within the below -63kg class, Canada’s Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard had an exceptional day, taking her second World Tour title.
Tomo Medved, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, was readily available to award the medals
Italy’s world silver medallist, Manuel Lombardo, has been making waves since shifting up a weight class, however gold at -73kg had eluded him till now. He received the ultimate within the very first alternate.
He was awarded his medals by Lisa Allan and afterwards spoke about his hopes for the World Championships.
“I’ve 100% within the remaining block for the World Championships, however 100% of ultimate block loss, so I’ll attempt to do higher in Tashkent,” mentioned Lombardo.
Croatia’s personal World Champion Barbara Matic was very a lot below the highlight.
With the nation’s hopes pinned on her, she got here out sturdy, with spectacular Ippons, incomes her a spot within the remaining.
There she met Germany’s Miriam Butkereit, the place a decisive rating gave her the gold medal in entrance of her adoring followers, an awesome second for Croatian Judo, and an opportunity for autographs and selfies for the subsequent technology of Croatian judoka.
She was awarded her medal by Yasuhiro Yamashita, IJF EC Member and Worldwide Olympic Committee member.
“I’m glad that everybody is cheering my identify, it’s like motivation for me, so it’s good yeah,” mentioned an excited Matic.
At below -81kg, France’s Alpha Djalo was the person on type.
The explosive Frenchman flew into the finals the place he took on former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Saied Mollaei.
A second of pure dynamism earned him the decisive rating and earned Djalo his first ever World Tour gold medal.
Florin Daniel Lascau, Head Referee Director of the IJF, awarded the medals.
With Matic within the highlight that didn’t cease the remainder of the group from performing – the IJF transfer of the day got here from Iva Oberan with this unbelievable Ippon giving the native followers but extra to cheer about – a good way to finish day two of the Zagreb Grand Prix.
