The 2023 season for the IJF World Tour kicked off in sunny Portugal, and the stadium was full to the brim of followers able to witness the primary event of the 12 months.
Below 48 kgs class
At underneath 48kg class, it was an all-Kazakh ultimate. Abiba Abuzhakynova scored a decisive waza-ari on her compatriot Galiya Tynbayeva, however the two athletes displayed true judo values, with an incredible show of friendship and sportsmanship.
Mr. Vlad Marinescu, IJF Director Normal, was available to award the medals.
Below 60 kgs class
Within the underneath 60kg class Japanese teen Yamato Fukuda stormed via his first-ever Grand Prix look.
Defeating the skilled Francisco Garrigos with a wonderful transition to groundwork.
He was awarded his medal by Mr. Juan Carlos Barcos, Director for Worldwide Relations of the IJF.
“Quite than this outcome giving me extra confidence,” mentioned Fukuda, “what this actually means is that sooner or later I will likely be despatched to numerous competitions around the globe, and I’ll symbolize Japan in every of those occasions. This makes me extra decided to work tougher and extra diligently in order that I can bear the burden.
Olympic and World Medallist Chelsie Giles began her 12 months extremely properly – coming to Portugal as World #1, she cemented her place on the high with a incredible efficiency.
She was awarded her medal by Dr. Lisa Allan, Occasions Director of the IJF
“It’s so good simply to get a medal wherever you go,” defined Giles, “I’ve not picked up many gold medals as a senior, so getting a gold medal is superb, particularly because it’s the primary competitors of the 12 months.”
Below 66 kgs class
At underneath 66kg class, Uzbekistan’s Mukhriddin Tilolov shocked Former World Champion An Baul, and his legendary coach Ilias Iliadis was thrilled!
The medals had been awarded by Mr. Armen Bagdasarov, Head Referee Director of the IJF
Below 57 kgs class
Within the underneath 57kg class Huh Mimi of Korea defeated present World Champion Rafaela Silva of Brazil with what appeared like pure dedication! She was thrilled to have a good time together with her coach
She was awarded the gold medal by Mr Neil Adams, IJF Refereeing Supervisor.
The house group was on hearth all day, executing a few of the slickest judo on show in Almada! This event is a incredible likelihood for the younger Portuguese group to show to the remainder of the world, how sturdy Portuguese Judo is turning into. The following two days look set to be breathtaking.
