Tiflis Judo Grand Slam 2021 concluded with a triumphant end for local interests. Three Georgian judokas clinched gold on the third and final day of the championship, much to the delight of the packed stands. Lasha Bekauri, the current Olympic champion, won gold in the final of under 90 kilos after a close fight with his compatriot Luka Maisuradze, the current European champion. Anna Maria Wagner, a former world champion from Germany, won in the under 78 category, displaying her return to the elite. Ilia Sulamanidze, the young world medalist, put up a remarkable show in the under 100 category, winning gold and making the audience go wild. Raz Hershko clinched gold in the over 78 category and Room Zaalishvili brought in the third gold of the day for Georgia in the final of over 100 kilos.
“I think I can say that today it has been confirmed that Georgia is the best judo team in the world,” said Bekauri, adding, “Today the anthem has been played three times, in this fantastic venue and in front of this fantastic audience. Congratulations to my two friends. I am very happy for the three gold medals.”
The crowd was also able to take part in a raffle organized by the Georgian Judo Federation, with an all-inclusive trip to the Doha 2023 World Judo Championships being the main prize. Fans were also given the chance to meet their favorite judokas and get their bibs signed. Overall, a grand celebration of sportsmanship and skill was witnessed in the Tiflis Judo Grand Slam, bidding adieu to Tbilisi and moving on to its next destination – Antalya!
