The Tokyo Grand Slam is in contrast to some other, with the origins of judo rooted within the nation, it’s unsurprising that this occasion brings collectively a number of the greatest performers on the planet, and can conclude the IJF World Judo Tour of 2024.
Although there might be some well-known names from Group Japan, the Tokyo Grand Slam additionally delivers on younger expertise, and in 2023 debuted sensational judoka, ARAI Dota within the -100kg class who on the time was solely 18 years outdated. Arai soared in to the ultimate however fell on the closing hurdle to the present European Champion, Matvey KANIKOVSKIY (IJF). In 2022, it was a shocking show by Gennaro PIRELLI (ITA) that caught the eye of many, and this 12 months he grabbed it as soon as once more in a warriors efficiency through the Olympic Video games in Paris. That is however a mere choice of what’s on provide this week, when in truth there might be 286 athletes from 47 nations closing out the 12 months within the residence of judo.
Kanikovskiy received’t be the one title holder on website both, Kristina DUDINA (IJF), European Champion within the -48kg class is the #7 seed in Tokyo, in a really European ‘mild’ weight. Really, this occasion is closely weighed by these from Asia and even Pan America, nevertheless Group Europe are not any with out some nice probabilities. Main the -70kg class is World silver medallist, Lara CVJETKO (CRO), additionally unranked on this class is -70kg World silver medallist from 2019 and -63kg World bronze medallist in 2022, Barbara TIMO (POR). It’s but to be seen if it is a transfer again to her former class the place she discovered nice success, or just a step again to the tatami.
Additionally competing for Group Portugal is the Paris Olympic bronze medallist, Patricia SAMPAIO within the -78kg class. Regardless of her spectacular accolade, this week will show simply one other day within the workplace, going through off HAMADA Shori and UMEKI Mami, the main girls for Group Japan.
On the lads’s facet there are World Champions together with Iago ABULADZE (IJF), and extra just lately, Junior European Champion, Valerio ACCOGLI (ITA). That is the thrilling begin of a brand new cycle, the place rising skills will chase down the reigning heroes on the circuit. Besting the Japanese entries within the -73kg class is the present European silver medallist, rising star Danil LAVRENTEV (IJF), however might be coping with stiff competitors within the #2 and #3 spots; World silver medallist ISHIHARA Tatsuki and HASHIMOTO Soichi. The latter wants little introduction nevertheless it was a celebration for Hashimoto who was lastly capable of obtain some Olympic glory, attaining the bronze in Paris. One other IJF consultant who’s exhibiting nice indicators of promise is 20 year-old Timur ARBUZOV, this time within the -81kg class, notably he defeated the likes of Matthias CASSE (BEL) within the 2024 World Championships.
Within the -90kg class, the present Olympic silver medallist MURAO Sanshiro (JPN) will lead the group, with the likes of Luka MAISURADZE (GEO) trying a profitable comeback for a second time following an early exit within the Rome European Open.
There was potential to see Pirelli within the +100kg class following a win in Rome, nevertheless it will likely be Olympic bronze medallist within the -100kg class, Muzaffarbek TUROBOYEV (UZB) who will problem the heavyweights this weekend, together with former European Champion, Martti PUUMALAINEN (FIN) and Junior World Champion, Denis BATCHAEV (IJF).
The 2 day occasion will happen on the seventh and eighth of December, with the dwell draw happening at 14:00 native time on Friday sixth. Head to JudoTV.com to maintain up with the dwell motion!
Judoka
Creator: Thea Cowen
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