Rising Stars Shine at Judo Grand Prix Zagreb 2024

Zagreb, the heart of Croatia, transformed into a stage for the Judo Grand Prix this Friday, showcasing the strength and spirit of athletes from around the globe.

Croatian judoka were honoured for their achievements with a special distinction for their first judo Olympic Champion Barbara Matic. Awarding were Dr. Sanda Corak, President of the Croatian Judo Federation and Nikolina Klaic, Representative of the Croatian Lottery.

In -48kg, Koga Wakana of Japan took home the gold medal after defeating Tynbayeva of Kazakhstan. An ouchi-gari scored her waza-ari followed up by a transition into a hold down for waza-ari-awasete-ippon.

IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen Bagdasarov awarded the medals.

At -60kg, Sherzod Davlatov achieved a remarkable milestone by securing his first Grand Prix gold. Using impressive ashi-waza, he skilfully scored and set up a hold down for waza-ari-awasete-ippon. A huge victory for the Kazakh athlete.

Awarding the medals was IJF Education & Coaching Director Mr Mohammed Meridja.

“The organisation here in Croatia is very good, I’d like to say thank you Zagreb,“ said Davlatov.

Top seed in the -52kg category, Japan’s Kisumi Omori, demonstrated her exceptional skill by earning her third World Judo Tour gold medal. Her victory was secured with a masterful hold down.

IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta was on hand to award the medals.

At -66kg, Zhanarys Rakhmetkali claimed his first Grand Prix gold medal. A huge sode-tsurikomi-goshi scored him ippon to win the final.

Head Referee Director of the International Judo Federation, Mr Florin Daniel Lascau awarded the medals.

Adding another medal to her collection after a close contest was France’s Faiza Mokdar at -57 kg, scoring a waza-ari in golden score,