Perfect start to IJF World Judo Tour in Abu Dhabi
The IJF World Judo Tour has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for the eagerly anticipated 2024 edition of the World Championships, and a chance for the names of the world's greatest judoka to be written into the history books.
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00:00 The IJF World Judo Tour has finally arrived in Abu Dhabi for the eagerly anticipated 2024 edition of the World Championships.
00:10 A chance for the world's greatest judoka to write their names into the history books inside the Mabudala Arena.
00:17 At under 48kg, double world bronze medalist Asunda Skuto reached the final after a strong performance.
00:25 On the other side of the draw, Basan Koubavadosh also produced fine judo to reach the gold medal match.
00:32 The final was a tense encounter but Bavadosh struck as time was running out.
00:38 Capitalising on a failed attack to counter and take a first world title.
00:44 Maira Bolbia, Satie Mornitsi awarded the medals.
00:53 I'm happy right now. I'm grateful that my first ever world medal at the World Championships is gold.
00:59 Thank you to my coaches and the rest of the nation.
01:02 At under 60kg, Yungwei Yang was the top seed and made his way to the final looking confident.
01:09 The explosive young Georgian, Georgi Tsadalashvili was his opponent after some spectacular Ipon judo throughout the day.
01:17 In the final, a desperate attack from Yang was expertly countered by the Georgian
01:23 and the Wazaari score was enough for Tsadalashvili to become his nation's youngest ever world champion.
01:29 He was awarded his medal by Missoni Limited board member, Tanya Missoni.
01:42 Yes, I'm world champion. It was my big dream from childhood and I don't know now what's up now.
01:50 But I'm world champion. I wanted my back number to be red and it's okay.
01:58 At under 52kg, Siura Keldy-Jourova was the favourite for gold and looked increasingly impressive as the day went on.
02:08 But in the final, she faced the veteran experience of Italy's Odette Giofrida who was also on fire.
02:15 Another nervy encounter was decided by Giofrida's trademark brilliant footwork,
02:22 stumbling Keldy-Jourova and driving her over for the winning score.
02:27 Giofrida erupting with emotion as she finally claims a first world title.
02:34 She was awarded her medal by IOC member and President of Union's Sicklist International, David Lepartien.
02:41 I don't know Abu Dhabi, it's magic for me.
02:44 And when I arrived here, I was like, maybe the magic still didn't finish.
02:49 I'm going to do everything to win and today again, Abu Dhabi worked for me.
02:56 See you on day two.
02:59 too.