More spectacular Judo on display on the incredible final day of the Grand Slam in Tbilisi
The Georgian team was again in good form and inspired subsequent generations who watched the match with admiration.
Lasha Bekauri, the last Olympic champion and audience hero in the 90 kg category, reached the final. There he met Eljan Hajiyev.
There were Bekauri and fans against the Azeris and it was too much. Ippon and the crowd erupted.
Georgian First Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Ioseb Baghaturia was there to present the medal.
“I am very happy, there is a very good atmosphere in my country and I love my people, I love my country. I always do my best when I fight here and now I win here for the second time and I am very happy,” Bekauri said.
Nikoloz Sherazadishvili defeated Shady Elnahas in -100 kg. The Spanish’s terrific counter attack gave them the victory.
The medals were presented by Georgian National Olympic Committee President Leri Khabelov.
-78 kg Yuliia Kurchenko faced Guusje Steenhuis. Ko-soto gape on the edge of the area was Kurchenko’s winning score. Gold to Ukraine.
He received his medals from IJF Media & Judo Peace Director Nicolas Messner.
In +78 kg, French Coralie Hayme and German Renee Lucht advanced to the final.
In the final seconds, Lucht struck the decisive blow, launching and then pressing his opponent for a memorable victory.
The medals were awarded by World Champion and Double Olympic Medalist Neil Adams.
“It’s so great, there are so many people, it doesn’t happen very often. It’s good and they’re cheering every shot, it’s not always like that but it’s great here,” Lucht said.
In a replay of the 2018 World Championship final, Guram Tushishvili ended the judo against Ushangi Kokauri, with Tushishvili coming out on top again. The home fans were on their feet to celebrate the perfect end to an unforgettable event.
The gold was given to him by Anzor Chubinidze, Head of the Special State Protection Service of Georgia.
Tbilisi also congratulated Yiğit of the Georgian national team. 2016 Olympic silver and six-time world championship medalist Varlam Liparteliani took to the stage in a special ceremony to announce his retirement from the sport.
Georgian Judo Federation President Giorgi Atabegashvili thanked Liparteliani and presented him with unforgettable gifts.
A magnificent celebration of a glittering career.
The Georgian team was dynamic and exciting as always and showed their brilliance by culminating 3 incredible days.
See you next week in Antalya.
