We are delighted to be located in Linz, the beautiful capital of this magnificent region known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. The best judokas gathered here to compete for victory and local judo fans are here to support their heroes.

Before the action, former President of the Austrian Judo Federation, Franz Haugender, was honored for his great contribution to the development of judo.

At -63kg, World number 11 Joanne VAN LIESHOUT showed excellent tenacity in chasing rival Agatha SCHMIDT to the ground and pinning her for ippon. Second Grand Prix gold medal. An impressive result from young judoka! Austrian audience applauded the Dutch athlete!

IJF International Referee Seminars Coordinator Juan Carlos BARCOS presented the medals.

“It’s really cool,” Van Lieshout said. “There’s a lot of people, there’s a lot of kids and they love judo, so they really run and shout and so it’s really escape to be here.”

The two athletes, who won a medal with -73 kilos at the Grand Prix held in Upper Austria last year, would compete for a medal again in Linz. While Moldovan Adil OSMANOV managed to improve two waza-ari scores from last year’s bronze to his first gold medal in the World Judo Tour, Azerbaijani Rashid MAMMADALIYEV had to settle for silver again, but the judo values ​​of both athletes were displayed. .

IJF Training and Coaching Director Mohammed MERIDJA presented the medals.

Interview Adil OSMANOV (MDA) (English)

“Today was very difficult because I am half Azerbaijani and my opponent was also Azerbaijani,” Osmanov said. “Besides the rivalry, we are friends, good friends, this fight was psychologically difficult.”

Maria PEREZ, who won the Upper Austrian Grand Prix last year in the -70 kg category, reached the final again. In a tough fight with newcomer Irene PEDROTTI, Perez used a perfectly timed leg kick to end the Golden Score with ippon! A great judo moment that the crowd loved.

Austrian Judo Federation President Martin POIGER presented the medals.

Italy’s Antonio Esposito scored a perfect shot that stunned Pawel Drzymal in the final seconds of the final competition in the -81kg category.

Harvest Group CEO Almaz ALSENOV emotionally presented Esposito with his gold medal

Local crowds were treated to incredible displays of judo skills; The judokas at home produced a series of masterful ippons.

That’s it for day 2 in the wonderful city of Linz!