On the occasion of silver jubilee of the UAE Judo Federationthe general treasurer of the International Judo Federation (IJF), Naser Al Tamimi, said: “We wanted to celebrate our silver jubilee with our international judo family and so the World Championships came at just the right time”.
A special ceremony was also organized by IJF President Marius Vizer in honor of the Self-Defense Judo for Women initiative.
A sacrifice for victory
In the -100 kg category, the Canadian Shady Elnahas had an extraordinary run, aiming for a first Canadian gold medal in Abu Dhabi.
His opponent in the final, the Azerbaijani Zelym Kotsoev was also in great shape.
The final was a tough fight, but It was ultimately Zelym Kotsoiev who performed a sacrifice technique to mark waza-ari, and resisted the advance of Elnahas to seize the red badge.
A second gold medal for Azerbaijan!
His Eminence Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, presented the medals.
“When my father accompanied me to judo, he dreamed of me becoming world champion and today my father’s dream came true”declared Zelym Kotsoiev after his victory. “But now I’m very happy, I’m a little bit in shock – not a bit, really in shock”.
New Japanese victory in the +78 kg category
In the +78 kg category, the Japanese Wakaba Tomita qualified for the final, where she found the Turk Kayra Ozdemir.
A fierce fight for the gold medal which ended with immobilization and the world title for a very emotional Wakaba Tomita.
International Judo Federation Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan presented the medals.
“Nine years ago I won a gold medal here in Abu Dhabi at the junior world championships, so I was hopeful of winning the title here again”said Wakaba Tomita.
Fight of titans in the +100 kg category
Among the +100 kg, Guram Tushishvili was looking to obtain a new title after his coronation in 2018.
But his opponent in the final, Minjong Kimalso had an exemplary run throughout the day.
Finally, a quick counter leading to a hold earned Kim the coveted world gold medal.
It was the vice-president of the International Judo Federation, Carlos Zegarra, who presented the medals.
“The end of the competition was difficult, but because I won gold, I will keep a loving memory for Abu Dhabi”declared the Korean champion after his victory.
Thus ends the final day of individual competition of the 2024 World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi !
Twelve of our fourteen new world champions won a world title for the first time. Intense emotions that electrified the world of judo.
Tomorrow, prepare for a thrilling conclusion with the mixed team event.
