Judo returned dwelling for the primary time since final 12 months’s Olympic Video games for the distinguished Tokyo Grand Slam.
A sold-out native crowd got here to cheer on their judo heroes and Japan dominated the day’s competitors.
Below 57 kgs
The beneath 57kg class noticed an all-Japanese ultimate, with World Silver medallist Haruka Funakubo, in opposition to former World Champion Tsukasa Yoshida.
A brilliantly-executed turnover noticed Funakubo maintain down Yoshida to stake her declare as the brand new primary in Japan.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa awarded the medals
Below 73 kgs
The beneath 73kg class noticed one other all-Japanese ultimate with one other former World Champion, Soichi Hashimoto, defeating up-and-coming Hayato Koga after an epic contest that went into golden rating.
Soichi mentioned he may really feel the assist of the viewers. “Sure I used to be in a position to do my tai-otoshi, and I assumed it was an ideal second and method. I may really feel the gang right here and viewers at dwelling supporting me,” mentioned Soichi.
Minister of the Prime Minister’s Workplace of Hungary, His Excellency Dr. Gergely Gulyás, awarded the medals
Below 63 kgs
The beneath 63kg class noticed yet one more Japan vs Japan ultimate the place four-time World Medallist Miku Takaichi defeated teen Seiko Watanabe in a tactical battle.
She was awarded her medal by Mr. Marius Vizer, IJF President.
Below 81 kgs
The house workforce’s dominance continued as a fourth Japanese ultimate came about on the beneath 81kg class, with present Olympic Champion Takanori Nagase seeking to cement his place as primary in opposition to compatriot Kenya Kohara, however Kohara had different concepts.
A intelligent sacrifice method noticed the underdog defeat the Olympic Champion. Kohara was elated.
Mr. Ernö Schaller-Baross, European Parliament Member awarded the medals.
Below 70 kgs
Within the beneath 70kgs class, the worldwide Judoka broke via the Japanese ranks for the primary time at this Grand Slam, with Australia’s Aoife Coughlan having the day of her life.
Within the ultimate, she met Japan’s World Medallist Niizoe Saki who ended Coughlan’s run of success with a implausible throw. The fifth gold for Japan.
Saki mentioned the power of the gang assisted her. “I felt the gang cheering and supporting me, I may really feel everybody’s assist not solely from the venue however from the folks watching at dwelling – and this actually helped me to do my Judo.”
The IJF EC Member & AJJF President, Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashita, was available to award the gold medal
Below 90 kgs
One other worldwide Judoka on type was Olympic Silver Medallist Eduard Trippel who earned a spot to struggle Japan’s Kosuke Mashiyama for the beneath 90kg title.
Nevertheless, finishing the complete set on day one, Mashiyama ensured Japan took all six golds, an unbelievable feat.
Mr Haruki Uemura, IJF EC Member & Kodokan President, awarded the medals.
Younger Judoka
Younger judoka from Tokyo received the chance through the occasion to carry out a conventional Kata, often known as Nage-no-kata, in entrance of the appreciative crowd, a implausible alternative for these judo followers!
The subsequent era of judoka positive factors invaluable expertise on the large stage, displaying that Judo is nicely and actually alive within the birthplace of Judo.
