Four new countries means that four delegations were looking for this first medal and tonight they have fulfilled their mission. First Italy, thanks to the performance of Alice Bellandi who holds her rank as world number one in the most beautiful way. Then Israel, with Inbar Lanir, the 2023 world champion, and Peter Paltchik in the men's division, place two athletes on the podium. Portugal with Patricia Sampaio and China, with Zhenzhao Ma, complete the picture.
Bellandi had a magnificent competition. She, who had failed to win the world title in recent years, more than consoles herself with the Olympic gold medal. Focused since the first contest, she never let up the pressure and especially did not succumb to it. To celebrate her victory, the IJF Ambassador and international singer, Al Bano, stepped on to the tatami to sing his famous song, Felicita Bellandi!
It must be said that it was a day placed under the colours of international culture, with the visit of Snoop Dogg, who spent time watching the judo. He was there when Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE) qualified for the final.
Reigning world champion a few weeks ago in Abu Dhabi and also world number one, the Azerbaijani judoka did not fall. His spectacular and aerial judo destabilised more than one opponent. The only judoka who seemed to have found the solution was Ilia Sulamanidze (GEO), but he did not manage to maintain his advantage, under the battering rams of Kotsoiev. Now the reigning world champion and new Olympic champion, Kotsoiev is writing the most beautiful pages of sport in his country.
There is only one day left of individual competition before the mixed team tournament on Saturday. Tomorrow the heavyweights (+78kg and +100kg) will be in action at 10:00. See you for the conclusion of the individual competition.