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PARK24 Group Tokyo Grand Slam 2025: day 2 Results and Highlights
Table of Contents
By Euronews with IJF
Overview of Day 2 Competition
day 2 of the PARK24 Group Tokyo grand Slam 2025 delivered thrilling judo action, culminating in dramatic gold medal victories. The competition showcased remarkable skill and determination from athletes across various weight categories.
Gold Medal Results
-60Kg Category: Hayato Kondo’s Surprise Victory
Hayato KONDO of Japan secured the first gold medal of the day in the -60Kg category. his ippon, delivered unexpectedly, captivated the stadium and marked a significant achievement in his career.
Harvest Group CEO Mr. Almaz ALSENOV presented the medal to Kondo, recognizing his outstanding performance.
-70Kg Category: Shiho Tanaka Defends Title
Current world champion Shiho TANAKA of Japan demonstrated her dominance in the -70Kg category. She secured a yuko through a skillful hold down, earning her the gold medal.
The medal ceremony was presided over by IJF Secretary General Dr. Lisa ALLAN.
-66Kg Category: Hifumi Abe Continues Success
Hifumi Abe continued his remarkable run in the -66Kg category, adding another gold medal to his collection.
Understanding Judo Scoring
For those unfamiliar with Judo, understanding the scoring system is key to appreciating the matches. Here’s a breakdown:
| Score | Description | Points | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ippon | A complete and decisive throw, or a submission. | 1 | |||||||
| Waza-ari | A significant throw or technique, but not quite a full
Tulum Judokas Shine at National Tournament, Securing Six MedalsTULUM, Mexico — Tulum is solidifying its reputation as a breeding ground for athletic talent after young judokas from the municipality delivered a stellar performance at the “Professor Tomoyoshi yamaguchi” National Children’s Tournament in Mexico City. The competition took place from May 1-4. Athletes in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories collectively earned six medals during the high-performance training event, considered among the nation’s most important. This achievement positions Tulum as one of the leading municipalities in children’s judo. U-13 Category ResultsOn May 2, seven athletes in the U-13 category (ages 11-12) competed. the results were:
U-15 Category SuccessMay 4 proved equally successful for athletes in the U-15 category (ages 13-14):
These results contribute to the athletes’ scores for future international competitions, including the Pan american Games, which will be held in Mexico. Professor Marta Domínguez and coach Juan E. Martí have supported the athletes’ development. They recognized the judokas’ dedication as they continue to compete in other divisions of the tournament, with the potential for additional medals. this performance underscores Tulum’s sports potential and the positive impact of its training programs, highlighting its presence on the national stage and paving the way for future international competitions. 
Italy’s Judo Team Secures Historic Medal Haul at European ChampionshipsTable of Contents PODGORICA,Montenegro (April 28,2025) – The European Senior Judo championships 2025 concluded wiht Italy’s team delivering a record-breaking performance. The 18-member team, known as the Azzurri, captured a total of nine medals, marking a meaningful milestone for Italian judo. Azzurri Dominate in PodgoricaThe Italian judokas secured podium finishes each day of the competition, including the Mixed Teams Event. According to team officials,the success stemmed from the collaboration between athletes,technical staff,medical personnel,and organizational support,creating an optimal habitat for performance. Coaches Laud Team Effort, Eye Future SuccessTeam coaches emphasized the importance of continued support for the athletes. Raffaele Parlati noted the athletes’ dedication and the synergy between the federal technical structure and the athletes’ home clubs. “The results of this historic edition of the European Championships are primarily the result of the professionalism of the athletes and their self -denial in training,” parlati said. He also cautioned against expecting similar results at every competition, urging continued support for the team. Raffaele Toniolo echoed Parlati’s sentiments, calling the championships “exceptional” due to the high level of performance from the athletes. Toniolo pointed out that Olympic champion Alice Bellandi did not participate due to scheduling conflicts with the upcoming World Cup in Hungary in June. By the Numbers: A Statistical TriumphItaly’s medal count included one gold, two silver, and five bronze medals in individual events, plus a silver in the mixed team event. This placed Italy fourth overall in the medal standings, behind IJF (International judo federation), France, and Georgia. However, in terms of total medals, Italy ranked second only to France. Moreover, 12 of the 18 Italian athletes finished within the top seven, with 10 competing in a final medal match.This statistic also placed Italy second, behind the IJF, but ahead of France and georgia. Toniolo emphasized the meaning of these results, stating that they demonstrate Italy’s position among the elite judo nations in Europe and the world. He attributed the success to the collaboration between the federal structure, coaches, and individual athlete training programs. Toniolo also noted that seven of the eight medalists had participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the team felt they underperformed, particularly in the Mixed Team Event. He said the team used that disappointment as motivation, achieving a historic first final in the mixed team event in Podgorica. Toniolo concluded by expressing his admiration for the athletes’ dedication and their commitment to honoring their teammate during the award ceremony. # italy’s Judo Triumph at the 2025 European Championships: A Q&A Guide ## What happened at the 2025 European Senior Judo Championships? The Italian judo team, known as the Azzurri, achieved a record-breaking performance at the 2025 European Senior Judo Championships held in Podgorica, Montenegro. The team, comprised of 18 athletes, secured a total of nine medals. This represented a historic achievement for Italian judo. The event took place on April 28, 2025. ## What medals did the italian team win? Italy’s judokas excelled, securing podium finishes each day of the competition, including in the Mixed Teams Event. Specifically, the team won: * One gold medal * Two silver medals * Five bronze medals in individual events * One silver medal in the mixed team event ## How did this performance rank Italy in the overall medal standings? Italy ranked fourth overall in the medal standings, behind the IJF (International Judo Federation), France, and Georgia. Though, in terms of total medals won, Italy ranked second only to France. ## How many Italian athletes placed in the top seven? An notable 12 of the 18 Italian athletes finished within the top seven. Moreover, 10 athletes competed in a final medal match. This statistic also placed Italy second, behind the IJF, but ahead of France and Georgia. ## What were the key factors behind Italy’s success? The Italian team’s success was attributed to a collaborative effort. This included the synergy between the athletes,the technical staff,medical personnel,and organizational support—creating the optimal surroundings for peak performance. Coaches specifically highlighted the athletes’ dedication and their intensive training regimes. ## What did the coaches say about the team’s performance? Raffaele Parlati highlighted the professionalism and dedication of the athletes. He also emphasized the importance of continued support to maintain the team’s performance. Raffaele Toniolo described the championships as “extraordinary,” praising the high level of performance. He attributed the success to the collaboration among the federal structure, the coaches, and the individual training programs. ## Did any notable athletes miss the competition? Yes, olympic champion Alice Bellandi did not participate due to scheduling conflicts with the upcoming World Cup in Hungary in June. ## How did the team use their past experiences to fuel their success? Following the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the team felt they underperformed, especially in the Mixed Team Event, that experience served as a key motivator. This disappointment spurred the team, leading to a historic first final in the Mixed team Event in Podgorica. ## Can you summarize Italy’s medal count in a table? Certainly! Here’s a table to provide a quick overview of Italy’s medal count:
## What did Toniolo say to conclude the championship? Toniolo expressed his admiration for the athletes’ dedication and their commitment to honoring their teammate during the award ceremony. 
Abe’s All-japan Judo Championship Run Ends in Second RoundTable of Contents TOKYO (April 29,2025) – Abe ichijizo,27,a two-time Olympic champion in the men’s 66kg judo class,saw his run at the All-Japan judo Championships come to an end in the second round. The competition, held at the Nippon Budokan, features an open weight class format. Unexpected DefeatAbe, representing Park 24, faced a formidable opponent in Suzuki Taiyo, a fourth-year student at Tenri University whose primary focus is the over-100kg class. Despite a valiant effort, Abe was ultimately defeated by Suzuki, who possesses a important weight advantage, tipping the scales at approximately 265 pounds (120kg), nearly double Abe’s registered weight. The match remained closely contested until the final minute, but Suzuki’s size proved to be a decisive factor. abe, typically competing around 158-160 pounds (72-73kg) for his usual weight class, faced a considerable weight disparity. Reflecting on the match, Abe said, “The flag was a little judgement. I wasn’t aiming for it. I went to throw it in my own way until the end.” He attempted an Ouchi Kari, a signature move, in a final, desperate attempt. Abe’s Outlookdespite the loss, Abe expressed satisfaction with the experience. “I wanted to stand on this stage. I was so happy to be able to get on this tatami mat. I felt like I like judo,” Abe stated. “When I paired up with heavyweights… my fingers flew off, but honestly, I thought I’d have to be patient for the last minute.I’m glad I was able to compete. I have no regrets.” First Round SuccessAbe, a popular figure at the tournament, lived up to expectations in the first round, securing a victory against Sato Yujiro, 23, of the yamagata prefectural Police, whose main competitive weight is 81kg. Abe executed a spectacular throw, catching Sato’s sleeve and hip just one minute and 23 seconds into the match. Although he was not able to win two other games, Abe said, ”I thought I had to win the first match. My opponent in the first match was 81kg, and if I won, it was over 100kg, so it was difficult to practice, but I was able to show my strengths in the first match.I was hit with a big outside cut first, so my opponent’s posture was wary and I got straight, and I managed to catch my sleeves and get my waist set. I think I was able to throw well. The second match was great for about two minutes in the first half.” Inspiration from a Judo legendAbe’s participation in the All-Japan Championships marked his first appearance in the “indiscriminate weight” category. He had previously refrained from participating due to concerns about potential injuries. he aimed to emulate the spirit of the late Koga Minoruhiko, a judo icon who finished as runner-up in the 1990 tournament and won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 71kg class. At a pre-tournament press conference, Abe stated his desire to ”do judo that gives children dreams, like Koga-sensei, saying, ‘Even the lightweight class can compete against the heavy class,’ and that’s what makes them dream.” Looking AheadAbe views the experience as a valuable learning possibility.”Judo is a battle of emotions at the end. I think the feelings I felt when I competed in the All Japan Championships and when I competed with a player who was in a higher rank than me will be greatly added to my judo in the future.I want to feel a lot of mentality.” Having already secured a spot at the Paris Olympics, Abe has his sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics. ”This time, I have experienced the indiscriminate All japan and hope to compete with 73 athletes at the Los Angeles Olympics again. It has already begun for the Los Angeles Olympics, and Paris’s frustration remains the same.I can only pay back the Olympics at the Olympics. I want to try again.” Abe’s next competition is scheduled for June at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. he aims for his fifth victory at the event.
Abe’s All-Japan Judo Championship: Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Who is Abe Ichijizo, and what happened at the All-Japan Judo Championships? A: Abe Ichijizo is a highly decorated judoka, a two-time Olympic champion in the men’s 66kg weight class. At the 2025 All-Japan judo Championships, held at the Nippon Budokan, Abe’s run ended in the second round. The competition uses an open-weight class format.For Abe, this meant a meaningful shift from his usual weight class. Q: Who defeated Abe, and what were the key factors in the match? A: Abe was defeated by Suzuki Taiyo, a fourth-year student from Tenri University, specializing in the over-100kg class. The primary factor in Suzuki’s victory was his significant weight advantage.Suzuki weighed approximately 265 pounds (120kg), nearly double Abe’s typical weight of 158-160 pounds (72-73kg). Q: What was Abe’s immediate reaction to the loss? A: Despite the loss, Abe expressed satisfaction with his experience. He stated,”I wanted to stand on this stage. I was so happy to be able to get on this tatami mat.I felt like I like judo.” He also acknowledged the challenges due to his opponent’s size and acknowledged the experience with no regrets. Q: How did Abe perform in the first round of the tournament? A: Abe was accomplished in the first round, defeating Sato Yujiro of the Yamagata Prefectural Police, who competes in the 81kg class. Abe secured the victory with a successful throw just one minute and 23 seconds into the match. Q: What motivated Abe to compete in the All-Japan Championships? A: Abe’s participation marked his first appearance in the open-weight category. He aimed to emulate the spirit of the late Koga Minoruhiko, a judo icon who competed in the 1990 tournament. Abe expressed his desire to “do judo that gives children dreams…” Q: What inspired Abe, and what did he hope to achieve by participating? A: Abe was inspired by judo legend Koga Minoruhiko, who showed that lighter weight class athletes can compete with heavier athletes. abe hoped to inspire others and demonstrate his versatility. Q: What are Abe’s future goals and upcoming competitions? A: Abe has already secured a spot at the Paris Olympics. Following his experience at the All-Japan Championships, he has set his sights on the Los Angeles olympics. His next competition is scheduled for June at the World Championships in Budapest,Hungary,where he aims for his fifth victory at the event. Newer Posts |