It’s day 2 of the World Judo Masters in the historic city of Jerusalem!
Once again, the Païs Arena stadium was full of passionate judo fans looking forward to another exciting day of competition.
In the -81 kg category, some of the most talented judoka in the world were jam-packed. Current world champion Tato Grigalashvili had an epic day and made his way to the final.
On the other side of the draw was former world champion Saeid Mollaei from Azerbaijan, who defeated his Belgian counterpart Matthias Casse in his semi-final match.
In the final, the Georgian world champion ended 2022 on another high note with a clever counterattack. What an incredible year for Grigalashvili.
The medals were awarded by Miri Regev, a member of the Israeli Knesset.
In the -73 kg class, Brazilian Daniel Cargnin was delighted with his first World Masters title.
His medals were awarded to him by Naser Al Tamimi, Treasurer General of the IJF.
Olympic silver medalist Michaela Polleres was pure joy when she defeated 2019 world champion Marie-Ève Gahié from France and became world judo champion in -70 kg judo.
She was awarded her medal by Vladimir Barta, head sports director of the IJF.
We asked them about the incredible atmosphere here in the stadium.
In the under 63 kg category, three-time Masters champion Miku Takaichi from Japan defeated her Kosovan opponent Fazliu and took home an incredible fourth Master title.
Agron Kuka, President of the Kosovo Judo Association, was there to present the medals.
With so many fans in the stadium, children from the Shalva club were lucky enough to step on the tatami mats and try their hand at the soft art.
The local athletes were back on top form and put on a brilliant judo presentation to ensure that the huge home crowd had the time of their lives and got to know their heroes.
Beautiful Jerusalem is bustling with excitement and can hardly wait for the last day of the World Judo Masters on Thursday.