Champions Crowned as World Judo Tour Returns to Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, UAE – The mubadalaโค Arena hosted the โฃopening day โคof the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, marking a triumphantโ return for the World Judo Tour and delivering a series of compelling finals. โคAthletes battledโค for podium positions in โsix weight categories, showcasing both established stars and rising contenders.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam is a key event โฃon the international judo calendar,โ attracting top competitors from around the globe and serving โas a crucialโ stepping stone towards Olympic qualification and world championship contention. Day one’sโค results setโ the stage for an โexciting continuation of the tournament.
Spain’s Laura Martinez Abelenda claimed gold in the -48kg category, defeating China’s Hui. Abelenda secured an โearly score and successfully defended her lead throughout the final. The medals were presented by UAE Minister of State, His Excellency Jabr Al SUWAIDI.
In โฃthe -60kg division, Job โคBliev of Russia emerged victorious over Ariunbold Enkhtaivan. Bliev’s early score proved decisive, withstanding Enkhtaivan’s attempts to equalize. His Excellency mr Battulga Khaltmaa, IJF EC Member โฃand Former President โof Mongolia, awarded the medals.
Germany’s Masha โฃBallhaus dominated the -52kg final against โข Pupp Reka, securing a win with a masterful groundwork display and a 20-second hold. Mr Gyurta Daniel, Hungary Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Head of Department, presented Ballhaus with her โคgold medal.
A dramaticโ finish unfoldedโข in the -66kgโฃ final, where France’s Walide Khyar โleveled the score with just one second remaining before โsecuring โฃvictory in goldenโค score. Theโค medals were awarded โbyโฃ Mr Rene FASEL, IIHF Life president.
Korea’s huhโ Mimi proved tooโฃ strong in the -57kg category, defeating โขItaly’s giulia Carna in a confident performance. His Excellency Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob โAl DEREI, UAE Judo Federation President, presented โขHuh with the gold medal.
Competition continuesโ tomorrow with further finals anticipated to deliver thrilling action as the โขAbu Dhabi โฃGrand Slamโ progresses.
