Welcome to the second day of the Zagreb Judo Grand Prix, taking place in the heart of the beautiful Croatian capital. The excitement is palpable in this vibrant city.
The event was opened with a demonstration of local judo talents, kata and a band performing the Croatian national anthem. The Zagreb Judo Grand Prix 2024 was then officially opened.
In the under 63kg category, Japan’s Kirari Yamaguchi scored a waza-ari against France’s Manon Deketer to win her first Grand Prix gold medal! IJF President Marius Vizer presented the medals.
In the under 73 kg category, Hungarian Daniel Szegedi won his first gold medal of the World Judo Tour. The young athlete’s magnificent ippon brought him immense joy. IJF Director General Vlad Marinescu presented the medals.
“I really enjoy competing here in Croatia, I have a lot of good memories. My first European Cup tour when I was a cadet, I won it here in Zagreb, it was a really memorable moment and I was able to come back to the top, so yeah, it’s really very important for me and I’m really happy to be here.” Daniel Szegedi enthused after his match.
In the under 70kg category, Dutch Sanne Vermeer was waza-ari in the final but managed to come back and score ippon. A brilliant counterattack that earned her her first Grand Prix gold medal since 2019! The medals were awarded by IJF Education Director Sanda Čorak.
“I always feel like I haven’t lost until the time is up, so I never want to go home feeling like I could have done more. Even when I’m behind, I just want to give it my all and go for it, maybe it’s a bit chaotic but if it works, it works” said Sanne Vermeer after her match.
In the under 81 kg category, Victor Sterpu won the first Grand Prix gold medal of his career. Two waza-ari combined for the winning ippon! A fantastic result for the Moldovan judoka. The vice-president of the National Judo Federation of Moldova, Victor Florescu, presented the medals.
The Croatian team showcased its local talents today, an inspiring spectacle for budding judokas from all over the country.
