Although the day was long, having started at 8:30, it went fast and was bustling without interruption. There was no warm-up except that of the athletes and from the first matches we knew that we were going to enjoy a high quality show.
One sign is unmistakable: the number of golden scores was reduced. There was a desire to win and all the judoka came to the tatami with this exact desire to win and above all to win in style.
To the delight of spectators, we find at the top of the ranking the host country, Azerbaijan, tied with Japan. A short distance away, Kosovo appears, followed by Italy and Georgia. This is only the beginning of the competition; a lot of things will still change and evolve in the next two days.
There were confirmations, like that of Assunta Scutto (ITA), who came as world number one and who by winning gold confirms her current ranking. Things were not always easy for Scutto, but she was able to find the necessary resources to avoid all the traps. It is the mark of great champions.
Day 1 male medalists at #JudoBaku 🔝🇦🇿 pic.twitter.com/wKlSBAEWpW
— Judo (@Judo) September 22, 2023
Once again Japan demonstrated the depth of their judo. Although the Japanese number ones were not here, what the athletes involved demonstrated proves that the country where judo was created still has an exceptional quality of judo.
Day 1 female medalists at #JudoBaku 🔝🇦🇿 pic.twitter.com/HA4T3b2JZN
— Judo (@Judo) September 22, 2023
We loved seeing Denis Vieru and his classic, recognisable style. Although he was unable to reach the highest step of the podium, he was able to raise the level of his judo at the right time, to win a new medal.
Kosovo has already brought back two medals, one gold, one silver, which is always exceptional, even if it is no longer a surprise. Krasniqi and other Gjakova are already in position to defend their Olympic titles acquired in Tokyo in 2021.
We have seen young people who push and who are ready to make any sacrifices to reach the summits. We also noted that few guarantees exist in judo. You can be the reigning world champion and not reach the podium. You can be seeded and disappear prematurely during the preliminary phases.
All this is judo, the judo that we love and that we want to share. If you missed the best moments of the day, relive them on https://judotv.com/ and join us tomorrow for the second day which will start at 9:30 with the final block at 16:00 local time.