The medal table was topped by Italy on day 1 and there they sat with no nation able to catch them on day 2 but without further Italian flags on the podium to extend and secure the lead either. The final block of the third day was a whole different story with a French and a Spanish athlete reaching the -90kg final, meaning, with other medals in the bag from the lighter categories, one of those countries would take the lead. Following a dazzling display from Mosakhlishvili, it was Spain who topped the table.
The two lightweight women’s categories, owned by Scutto and Giuffrida on Friday, indicated an Italian invasion that didn’t quite happen but it still demonstrated the team’s consistency and ability.
Spain continues to impress also, following the unbelievable victory of Garrigos at the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023, with Garcia Torne winning -66kg gold in Astana and his compatriots Martinez Abelenda, Gaitero Martin, Mosakhlishvili and Mendiola Izquieta all taking medals.
Athletes still on the junior circuit, Olympic medallists from more than one Games and coaches working with passion and real expertise have all mixed to produce an excellent judo event. Now the World Judo Tour hitches it’s wagons and rolls on to Mongolia, the country which kicked off the 2024 Olympic qualification period and now signals the start of the final year of points-gathering before we know who will compete in France’s capital next summer.
For all the news from Astana visit IJF.org and for spectacular photos from every category see https://www.ijf.org/competition/2615/photos