Georgian judoka Tato Grigalashvili claims gold in Zagreb
Tato Grigalashvili has taken the top spot at -81kg as he countered his Brazilian rival resulting in a waza-ari to decide the final. Photo: Georgian Judo Federation
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Georgian judoka Tato Grigalashvili has claimed gold at the Zagreb Grand Prix in Croatia after defeating his Brazilian rival Guilherme Schmidt in the under 81kg category.
Grigalashvili takes the top spot at -81kg as he counters Schimidt of Brazil resulting in a waza-ari to decide the Final! Gold for Georgia!
— Judo (@Judo) September 25, 2021
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Grigalashvili, 21, was ‘undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited athlete of the category, if not of the whole competition’.
Competing alone, with no coach, the one who had so much hope associated with his name but at the same time so much pressure, entered his first match relaxed”, the international judo federation (IJF) says.
It further notes that this has ‘paid off as it took him only 11 seconds to put his opponent into orbit with an incredible ura-nage’.
The following rounds were almost as easy for the Georgian, who seemed to be untouchable”, it adds.
Photo: IJF
Croatia is hosting 243 competitors from 35 countries at Zagreb Grand Prix on September 24-26.