Japan dominated Day 1 of the Baku Grand Slam, claiming gold in all five weight categories. Highlights included Tsunoda Natsumi’s win at -48kg, Abe Uta’s triumphant return at -52kg, and Tamaoki Momo’s victory at -57kg. Azerbaijan celebrated two bronze medals, energizing the home crowd.
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00:00The elite of World Judo have returned to Baku this weekend for one of the most established
00:04tournaments on the World Judo Tour. The land of fire is once again ready to welcome some of the best
00:09Judoka on the planet. The National Gymnastics Arena was primed and ready, many fans filling the seats to watch their champions do battle.
00:17Tsunoda Natsumi, the under 48 kilogram Olympic champion, was against Olympic bronze medalist Tara Babalfa in the final.
00:23In a close contest, Tsunoda took the win.
00:26I was very happy to fight in Baku, with people cheering for me.
00:33I took a long break after the Olympic Games, and I felt rusty, but overall I'm happy with my day.
00:44IGF education and coaching director, Mr. Mohamed Maridja, awarded her with the gold medal.
00:50It was an all-Japanese affair at under 60 kilograms. Nagayama Ryuju, taking on Nakamura Taiki.
00:56Nagayama was looking to quell his young compatriot.
01:02And two Wazaari scores saw him do just that, and take the Baku title.
01:11I heard Nagayama calls from the crowd, and I'm happy to be here.
01:15Mr. Florin Daniel Laskow, IGF head referee director, awarded the medals.
01:23The under 52 kilograms category saw the anticipated return of Abe Uta.
01:28This was a first outing since a shock defeat at the Paris Olympic Games.
01:32She met Masha Bauhaus in the final, and put on a trademark display,
01:36finishing the German with a pin to round off a successful first competition back.
01:46IGF head referee director, Mr. Kiyung Jun, awarded the gold.
01:53Battling for victory in the under 66 kilograms were Japan's Takeoka Takeshi and current world champion Tanaka Ryoma.
02:00They were both on fine form, but in a tactical final, it was Takeoka who triumphed, out-attacking his opponent.
02:08IGF coordinator for international refereeing seminars, Mr. Juan Carlos Bacos, was on hand to award the medals.
02:15Takano Ayami and Tamaoki Momo were the class of the field at under 57 kilograms.
02:21The Japanese fighters contested a close final, which was eventually won by Tamaoki,
02:26meaning Japan took all five gold medals on the first day of action.
02:30Their medals were presented by Olympic champion and three-time world champion, Mr. Koze Inui.
02:38There was also joy for Azerbaijan on this first day, with two bronze medals to celebrate.
02:44Firstly at under 60 kilograms, with Akhmad Yusifov.
02:48And then at under 66 kilograms, with Elshan Asadov.
02:52The home crowd were overjoyed.
02:54We are looking forward to another action-packed day of judo tomorrow.