Day 1 Highlights: Champions Shine at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam as the World Judo Tour Returns
Day 1 in Abu Dhabi delivered world-class judo: Martinez Abelenda, Bliev, Ballhaus, Khyar and Huh Mimi claimed gold with determined, high-level performances. Cultural displays, emotional victories and dramatic finals set the tone for an exciting second day of competition.
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00:00The World Judo Tour stepped onto familiar ground as the first day of the prestigious Abu Dhabi Grand Slam took place in the Mubadala Arena.
00:08All eyes were on this event. An exciting display of some beautiful local culture preceded the athletes fighting for their place on the podium.
00:16Laura Martinez-Abalenda was looking on great form. In the under 48-kilogram final, she defeated up-and-comer Hui of China.
00:25Holding on to an early score, the Spaniard took gold.
00:30UAE Minister of State, His Excellency Jabbar Al-Suaidi was on hand to award the medals.
00:40I've never won a medal here, so it's the first time for me.
00:44It's a hard competition because when it will be the Worlds or the Olympics, most of the judokas prepare for it.
00:52So it's also hard and this is like a preparation for that.
00:57At under 60 kilograms, world and European medallist Ayo Bliev took on another world medallist, Ariunbold Enktaivan.
01:04Pure drive and determination got Bliev an early score.
01:07One that once again was defended all the way to gold.
01:13His Excellency Mr. Batulga Khalfner, IGF-EC member and former President of Mongolia, awarded the medals.
01:24In the under 52-kilogram final, Masha Baalhaus put on a groundwork masterclass as she managed to turn Puprekha over and secure the 20-second hold.
01:33Joy for Germany. She was awarded her medal by Mr. Gyrta Daniel, Hungary Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Head of Department.
01:51In the under 66-kilogram final, Valid Kiar was a score behind when his pure determination leveled the playing field with just one second left on the clock.
02:06In golden score, that determination then took him to victory, a brilliant display of grit from the Frenchman.
02:13The medals were awarded by Mr. Rene Fasel, IIHF Life President.
02:22This is my first medal in the World Championship Junior, ten years ago. I'm really happy to win my first gold medal in the Grand Slam.
02:30At under 57 kilograms, Italy's Giulia Karna was a surprise finalist against former world champion and Olympic medallist He Mi Mi.
02:38A confident performance from the Korean star saw her take the gold medal.
02:43His Excellency Mohamed Bintalou Balderai, UAE Judo Federation President, awarded her the gold medal.
02:53Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi and the whole judo world is eagerly awaiting the second day of this top-class event.
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