00:00The second day of the 2025 Baku Grand Slam, here in Azerbaijan, saw a massive turnout
00:06at the National Gymnastics Arena.
00:09Mr. Marius Viza, President of the IJF, and Azerbaijan Judo Federation President Mr. Rashad
00:14Nabiyev officially opened the event.
00:17Local Olympic champions Hidayat Haydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev were in attendance, and everyone
00:22was on the edge of their seats all day for an exciting day's judo.
00:29Jessica Klimkate made it to the under-63 kilogram final in her first tournament, upper
00:34weight from under 57 kilograms.
00:37In the final, she faced Minami Aono and won a tactical battle, much to the delight of
00:43the home crowd who were cheering her on.
00:46We asked Jessica about this international support.
00:50It's really cool.
00:51I don't know why, but I really appreciate it.
00:54It makes me feel really welcomed here.
00:56Azerbaijan NOC Vice President Mr. Chingiz Huseynadze awarded her with the gold medal.
01:06Ishihara Tatsuki took the gold medal at under 73 kilograms, putting on a stellar performance
01:11all day.
01:13The current world silver medalist showed his class, taking on all comers with his exciting
01:19brand of judo.
01:23Azerbaijan NOC Secretary General Mr. Azer Aliyev awarded the medals.
01:32Sophie Ozbas, also fighting in a new weight category, defeated Serafima Moskalu with two
01:37Wazaaris to claim a first-ever Korea Grand Slam gold medal at her first tournament in
01:44the under-70 kilograms.
01:47The crowd showed great respect, cheering her as she left the tatami.
01:52Dr. Laszlo Tott, IJF Vice President, awarded the gold.
02:00Home favorite Zelim Sakhaev was the hero today.
02:04Defeating Canada's Gautier Drapeau, he gave the fans what they were waiting for in the
02:09under-81-kilogram final.
02:12A Yuko score was enough for Azerbaijan to win their first gold medal of the tournament,
02:17and the public were elated.
02:19Zelim Sakhaev was delighted to give them something incredible to cheer for.
02:23It is my third gold medal in this tournament.
02:27I am very happy to give other people this gold medal.
02:34Azerbaijan Judo Federation President Mr. Rashad Nabiev was on hand to award the medals.
02:41Throughout the day, the ever-improving Azerbaijan team were on fire, displaying great heart
02:47and skillful judo, paving the way for the next generation of judoka here in Baku.
02:54See you tomorrow for the finale of this amazing showpiece event.
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