The second day of the 2025 Baku Grand Slam saw thrilling judo action. Home hero Zelim Tckaev secured Azerbaijan’s first gold, electrifying the crowd. Jessica Klimkait and Szofi Ozbas claimed gold in their new weight classes, while Ishihara Tatsuki impressed at -73kg.
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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.