Before the start, a group of girls were invited to meet athletes and officials as part of the “Girls in White Suits” program in Azerbaijan.

It encourages young women to participate in combat sports to improve their development, self-confidence and fighting skills.

In the 90 kilo category, Bulgarian Ivaylo Ivanov had a tough match with individual neutral athlete Mikhail Igolnikov on the mat. Both judokas fought hard, but Igolnikov eventually threw two impressive waza-aris to claim his fifth title, the Baku gold medal, and send the crowd into a frenzy.

The medals were given by World Champion and Azerbaijan Judo Federation Board Member Mr. Elhan Mammedov.

In the 78 kilo category, German Anna-Maria Wagner faced Italian Alice Bellandi. Wagner finished the competition in style to great fanfare, delighting local fans who love his high-energy judo.

The medals were presented by International Judo Federation (IJF) Training and Coaching Director Mohammed Meridja.

“I was in the flow today and I feel the flow and I feel really comfortable fighting and every second I know, okay, I’m stronger today and yes I think that strength is in my mind and my confidence in myself. “The fight, this fight was for me this time,” Wagner said.

In the 100kg category, Ilia Sulamanidze pulled off a tremendous waza-ari in front of a cheering crowd to secure the gold medal in Baku. It was a great show of strength from the Georgian as the fans in the audience roared at him.

The medals were presented by Georgian Judo Federation Vice President David Kevkhishvili.

“It’s a strange feeling because the local kids maybe don’t know me or where I come from, but they supported me with their hearts and although it was a strange feeling, it was a great happiness for me,” Sulamanidze said. said. later.

In the 78kg category, two Brazilians, Beatriz Souza and Rochele Nunes, showed their true judo values ​​by celebrating Souza’s winning performance.

The medals were presented by World Champion and double Olympic silver medalist Neil Adams.

In the over 100 kilo category, independent athlete Inal Tasoev declared victory by expertly responding with a waza-ari to Georgian Guram Tushishvili.

The medals were given by Ağayar Akhundzada, Board Member of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

For thousands of local fans, Azerbaijan’s Zelym Kotsoiev was determined to take bronze in style. It was a successful judo performance by the local star and inspired young judokas to watch.