Champions in the women’s tournament of Kazan Grand Slam 2021 were determined on the first competition day.
In addition to the men’s finals, Day 1 also saw medals being contested in three weight categories of women’s events. Russia’s Irina Dolgova was strong enough to meet the challenge from Japan’s Funa Tonaki (-48kg), but she eventually lost the battle ending up second.
“I am very glad that I won silver. I haven’t had any medals for a long time. I could have fought better, but since I already had three fights, I lacked strength and concentration,” explained Irina Dolgova.
Women’s -48kg
Gold – Funa Tonaki, Japan
Silver – Irina Dolgova, Russia
Bronze – Francesca Milani, Italy; Irena Khubulova, Russia
In the -52kg category, Uta Abe from Japan celebrated a spectacular victory in the final, and judokas from France, Spain and Switzerland placed second and third.
Women’s -52kg
Gold – Uta Abe, Japan
Silver – Astride Gneto, France
Bronze – Ana Box Perez, Spain; Evelyne Tschopp, Switzerland
Helene Receveaux from France and Russia’s Daria Mezhetskaia faced off in the gold medal match in the -56kg category. A more experienced French judoka grabbed the champion’s title.
“I am very glad as there have been no medals for a long time. Very, very happy. Since the tournament is on home soil, it’s nice to win at home. I wanted to be first, but I missed out of the top place on the podium a little bit. We will continue to train,” said Daria Mezhetskaia after the medal ceremony.
Women’s -57kg
Gold – Helene Receveaux, France
Silver – Daria Mezhetskaia, Russia
Bronze – Marica Perisic, Serbia; Theresa Stoll, Germany.
On Thursday, the tournament’s opening ceremony will take place at the Tatneft Arena Ice Palace, and more champions in other weight categories will be determined.
Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects