Day 2 in Antalya saw Turkish youth enthusiastically participating in an IJF World Tour event, filling the Antalya Gymnasium and waving flags for their homeland as they saw the athletes take to the huge stage of a Grand Slam.

Weighing under 63kg, 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist Ketleyn Quadros has proven to be still among the best in her category 15 years later. The buzzer beater drop technique scored Ippon with less than a second to go.

He was extremely excited and celebrated with all the children involved.

The President of the Israeli Judo Association, Mr. Moshe Ponte, presented the medals.

Weighing under 73kg, Italian Manuel Lombardo blew the qualifiers before beating the current World Champion.

The medals were presented by Mr. Mohammed Meridja, IJF Director of Education and Coaching.

Another World Champion under 70kg hoped for a better result, but faced a strong Japanese rival, Niizoe Saki.

A solid makikomi technique took the Japanese to the top of the podium.

The medal was presented by Vladimir Barta, IJF Chief Sports Director.

“Barbara Matic is a very strong opponent and it was a tough fight. I was really happy to fight him,” Niizoe said.

Two former World Champions under 81kg, Matthias Casse and Saeid Mollaei. Flipping a pin on the ground, Casse grabs Mollaei and takes the final World Tour Gold before the World Championships – will he reclaim his title in Doha?

A moment of great respect between two great athletes.

IJF Director General Mr. Vlad Marinescu was present to present the medals.

I benefited a lot from my defeat here in Paris. And I will definitely carry that to the World Championships. It was nice to lose once again, definitely coming back stronger now,” Casse said.

With so many young Judoists supporting their home team, local athletes couldn’t help but demonstrate the most exciting Judo we’ve seen today. Beautiful attacks, each more beautiful than the other, filled the stadium with cheer and joy. Heavyweights tomorrow is not a day to be missed.