The group on the 2023 Paris Grand Slam buzzed with pleasure over the return of 10-time World Champion Teddy Riner.
And IJF President Marius Vizer gave the Judo household extra to have a good time by signing a contract with Kazakhstan Judo Federation President Kuanyshbek Yessekeev that may add Astana and Almaty to the World Judo Tour.
A trendy win for Grigalashvili
Georgia’s Tato Grigalashvili claimed his first Paris title with a classy counter in opposition to Germany’s Timo Cavelius.
IJF Vice President Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko handed him his -81kg gold.
Within the -70kg class, Spain’s Ai Tsunoda defeated the French former World Champion Marie Eve Gahié to safe a maiden Grand Slam victory.
IOC Member Aïcha Garad Ali from Djibouti awarded the medals.
Noel Van T Finish took the -90kg title on the seventh time of asking with a gritty win over Murad Fatiyev from Azerbaijan.
IOC Member Filomena Fortes gave the dutchman his medal.
At -78kg, French stalwart Audrey Tcheumeo claimed an unbelievable sixth Paris Grand Slam gold to the delight of the house crowd.
IJF Vice President Dr Laszlo Toth made the shows.
“I’m very completely satisfied to encourage individuals, you understand,” mentioned Tcheumeo. “It’s a objective for all people on the earth, I believe. However inspiring individuals, for me, is on the prime.”
Michael Korrel gave the Netherlands a second title with a victory in opposition to Dzafar Kostoev from the United Arab Emirates on the -100kg stage.
Newly-appointed IJF Ambassador Lior Raz gave Korrel his second Paris gold – and in addition picked up a particular diploma himself to have a good time his new function within the Judo household.
South Korea’s Kim Hayun earned a first-ever grand slam gold with a win over Japan’s Maya Akiba within the girls’s heavyweights.
Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia NOC Vice President, handed her the medal.
The return of the king
Then got here the return of the king. Teddy Riner was in spectacular type – dominating the heavyweight qualifiers earlier than securing a tactical victory within the closing in opposition to Japan’s Hyoga Ota.
It was the win the gang had needed and it despatched Riner’s supporters wild.
Max-Hervé George, the CEO of Icona Capital, handed Riner the gold.
“You battle for these individuals, to your nation,” mentioned Riner. “It’s a pleasure. It has been a very long time since my final battle right here, wow… It’s nice, the feeling… The sensation is nice.”
It was a becoming climax to the 2023 Paris Grand Slam.
