00:00The city of Abu Dhabi was awash with excitement as the second day of the Judo Grand Slam took
00:05place in the Mubadala Arena.
00:09At under 63kg, Japan's Megu Dano faced up against Lukagva Tagu of Mongolia.
00:18Dano expertly took the fight to the ground, rolling the Mongolian and holding her down
00:23to win her first gold medal on the World Judo Tour.
00:29Is she Japan's next big star?
00:31At under 63kg, IJF-EC member and Kodokan president Mr. Haruki Weimura awarded the medals.
00:40At under 73kg, it was an epic final.
00:43Neil Stump, the 2023 world champion, went behind the score after being thrown by Tajikistan's
00:49Asodoloyev.
00:52However, he swiftly levelled the field with an attack of his own.
01:00A powerful pick-up then saw the Swiss judoka score Ippon and take the title here.
01:10An amazing comeback from the former world champion.
01:13He was awarded his gold medal by UAE Judo Federation president, His Excellency Mohammed Bintaloub
01:19Alderai.
01:20So, I'm just happy that I could win this competition, it was tough, it was tough competitions, tough
01:29fights.
01:30Quite a few times I was behind with Wasari, so I'm just happy that it all worked out good.
01:36At under 70kg, Sophie Osvas overcame Aoife Koflin of Australia.
01:44The Hungarian, looking strong after her move up from under 63kg, threw her opponent for
01:48Wasari to secure her the gold medal.
01:55IJF guest Mr. Timur Kemmel awarded the medals.
01:58Yeah, my opponents were really, really tough and they were really strong, but if I'm doing
02:07okay in my head, I can really do anything.
02:09In the under 81kg final, François Gautier-Drapeau took on Abdul-Karim Tasoyev, a dramatic final,
02:16saw the Canadians score twice and just managed to hold out for the win.
02:24Amazing determination from a seasoned fighter.
02:28The medals were awarded by IJF ambassador Mr. Albano Carisi.
02:38The home crowd had plenty to cheer for as world medallist Mahmoudbek Mahmoudbekov showed
02:43his class.
02:46After a fantastic day, he went on to take a brilliant bronze medal for the home nation.
02:55Tomorrow, it's time for the heavyweights.
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