Bercy Paris hosts one of the most iconic stops on the World Judo Tour – an event with over 50 years of history – and the first day of the Grand Slam was as exciting as expected.
Judo is energy, and IJF President Marius Wieser has signed an agreement with Benjamin Lakatos, Chairman and CEO of MET Group, to formally partner European Energy Group MET with the IJF.
The opening ceremony, led by Wieser, included a mesmerizing demonstration of Kata and gymnastics, highlighting the grace and precision of the sport. An inspiring start to this incredible competition!
Early gold for hosts
And then the Frenchwoman Blandine Pont excited the fans with a victory in the weight category up to 48 kg, the first discipline of the tournament.
FIG President and IOC member Morinari Watanabe presented the medals.
Azerbaijani Balabay Agayev skillfully resisted Frenchman Cedric Revol and won gold in the weight category up to 60 kg.
MET Group Chairman and CEO Benjamin Lakatos presented the medals.
Olympic champion in the 52kg weight category Dystriya Krasniqi once again showed her dominance, the lightning-fast Osoto-gari in the first exchange was more than enough to defeat Hungary’s Pupp Reka.
OTP President Sandor Czanyi presented the medals.
The victory of the Ukrainian Bohdan Yadov
Bogdan Yadov of Ukraine used Sumi-gaeshi to defeat Battogtokh Erkhembayar of Mongolia in the 66 kg weight class.
IJF Executive Committee member and Kodokan President Haruki Uemura presented the medals.
In the weight category up to 57 kg, Priscilla Gneto brought even greater glory to the hosts, having won a tactical victory over the former world champion from Canada, Jessica Klimkait.
IJF guest Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill presented the medals.
“It’s amazing to fight, get medals and see everyone supporting us all day long,” Gneto said. “It gives us a lot of energy for the whole day, so thank you for that.”
Lasha Shavdatuashvili is a true judo legend and the Georgian showed that he is still at his best by winning gold in the 73kg weight category against Brazilian Daniel Kargnin in style.
ANOCA President and IOC member Mustafa Berraf presented medals
“I am very happy,” Shavdatuashvili said. “Because it is a special crowd, it is different from the others and gives all the athletes a lot of motivation. It’s a wonderful feeling when you win and all the spectators rejoice in your victory.”
Israeli Gili Sharir unexpectedly won gold against Japanese Nabekura Nami in the weight category up to 63 kg.
IJF Executive Committee member and IOC member Yasuhiro Yamashita presented the medals.
Inspiration for the next generation
And amidst all the excitement, there was a wonderful moment for the kids in attendance to meet one of the biggest stars of judo, Clarisse Agbenenow.
The new generation of French judokas is inspired!
Now we look forward to the second day in Paris, when the heavyweights will be in the spotlight.