Sport
Spectacular opening ceremony for World Judo Championships; QOC President attends
Uta Abe beats Diyora Keldiyorova in women's under 52 kg final, Japan's Hifumi secures men's under 66kg gold
May 08, 2023 | 09:56 PM
HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, graced the opening ceremony of the World Judo Championships – Doha 2023 Monday at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Hall in Doha in the presence of a large local and international audience.The ceremony began with a welcoming speech by Khalid bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Director of the Local Organising Committee of the World Judo Championships – Doha 2023. He expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, saying: "We are pleased to host the best world-class judokas. This championship is an opportunity to shed light on Qatar’s commitment to attracting the world’s largest sports events, and we thank everyone who made this event possible.”Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, delivered his speech, praising Qatar’s efforts in organising the championship and saying, "Through investing in sports, you invest in a better future for the world, in education, unity, friendship and non-discrimination.” Vizer added: "I would like to express our gratitude to the government of Qatar for its support for international sporting events and promoting judo worldwide.”The opening ceremony was a journey to the heart of Qatari culture, with two songs from traditional folklore, in addition to a blend of children’s performances combining judo and Qatari heritage.
Intense battles on day two
The ceremony ended with the resumption of the final competitions in the women’s under 52kg category, where Uta Abe from Japan successfully defended her title as World Champion by defeating Uzbekistan’s Diyora Keldiyorova in an intense final. The bronze medals were secured by Odette Guiffrida from Italy and Amandine Buchard from France. Abe’s victory in the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023 marks her fourth consecutive World Championship win, having previously won in Baku 2018, Tokyo 2019, and Tashkent 2022.In the men’s under 66kg category, Japan’s Hifumi Abe emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal after defeating Japan’s Joshiro Maruyama in a thrilling final. Bronze medals were awarded to Mongolia’s Yondonperenlein Baskhüü and France’s Walide Khyar.Hifumi Abe secures his fourth World Championship gold medal with this victory, having previously emerged victorious in Budapest 2017, Baku 2018, and Tashkent 2022.Nearly 670 judokas from around 100 countries are featuring in the May 7-14 championships.For further information on the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023 and ticket purchases, fans can visit the official website, judodoha2023.com
May 08, 2023 | 09:56 PM