Teh Judo Stars Return for the Paris Grand Slam
Table of Contents
- 1. Teh Judo Stars Return for the Paris Grand Slam
- 2. What training adjustments did Distria Krasniqi implement after the Paris Olympics to prepare for the 2025 Paris Grand Slam?
- 3. Distria Krasniqi: Ready to Rise Again at the 2025 Paris Grand Slam
- 4. Q: Distria, welcome back to competition. How has the break following the Paris Olympics been for you?
- 5. Q: You’re defending your title at the 2024 Paris Grand Slam. what are your goals for this tournament?
- 6. Q: The -48kg category is looking incredibly competitive this year. What are your thoughts on your potential opponents, including Tara Babulfath and Koga waka?
- 7. Q: You’ve accomplished so much in your career already. How do you view this stage in your journey, and what legacy do you want to leave in judo?
- 8. Q: What would you say to young judoka who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
After a well-deserved break following the Paris 2024 Olympics, the world’s top judoka are gearing up for thier return too competition at the 2025 Paris Grand Slam.While the World Judo Tour continued with Grand Prix and Grand Slam events, many Olympians opted to recharge and prepare for the new season.
the 2025 Paris Grand Slam promises to be a breathtaking event, featuring a roster of renowned athletes hungry to prove themselves. Among them is Kosovo’s Distria Krasniqi, the -48kg Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist and -52kg Paris 2024 silver medalist. Krasniqi, looking to make a fresh start, aims to defend her 2024 Paris Grand Slam title.
France will be pinning its hopes on Shirine Boukli, the -48kg Olympic bronze medalist from Paris 2024. She may face off against her podium rival from those Games,18-year-old Swedish sensation tara Babulfath,who recently clinched victory at the -23 European championships. Adding to the heat in the -48kg division is Japan’s koga Waka, currently riding a dominant winning streak.
French fans will be roaring for their 2019 world champion and three-time Grand Slam winner, Marie-Ève Gahié, who dreams of turning her 2024 Paris Grand Slam silver medal into gold.
The men’s -73kg division promises to be fiercely competitive. A stellar lineup including Italy’s Manuel lombardo, Kosovo’s Akil Gjakova, Georgia’s three-time Olympic medalist Lasha Shavdatuashvili, rising American star Jack Yonezuka, and Azerbaijan’s Vusal Galandarzade are all contenders, making it one of the most unpredictable categories in the tournament.
Olympic medalists are back to showcase their skills, including South Korea’s Lee Joonhwan, Israel’s Inbar Lanir and Raz Hershko, and Portugal’s Patricia Sampaio.Welsh judoka Joanne Van Lieshout, the reigning world champion in -63kg, is also aiming for her first Grand slam gold after securing bronze in Abu Dhabi last year.
Belgian judoka Matthias Casse, the 2024 Paris Grand Slam champion in the -81kg category, will look to defend his title. His sights are also set on redemption after falling to Lee in the Olympic bronze medal bout at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris.
The 2025 Paris Grand Slam is set to be a thrilling event, filled with captivating matches and fierce competition. It is a testament to the enduring power and global appeal of judo.
What training adjustments did Distria Krasniqi implement after the Paris Olympics to prepare for the 2025 Paris Grand Slam?
Distria Krasniqi: Ready to Rise Again at the 2025 Paris Grand Slam
Following her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics,Kosovo’s Distria krasniqi,the reigning -48kg world champion and Olympic gold medalist,is back and ready to conquer the 2025 Paris Grand Slam. Archyde caught up with Krasniqi ahead of the tournament to discuss her goals, her thoughts on the competition, and her legacy in the sport.
Q: Distria, welcome back to competition. How has the break following the Paris Olympics been for you?
It’s been a fantastic possibility to recharge and reflect. The Olympics were an incredible experiance, and I’m incredibly proud of the silver medal I won in the -52kg category. But after such a demanding competition, it was notable to take some time to recover physically and mentally.
Q: You’re defending your title at the 2024 Paris Grand Slam. what are your goals for this tournament?
My main goal is to showcase the progress I’ve made since Paris. I’m feeling strong and confident, and I’m eager to test my skills against the world’s best. Winning this tournament again would be a fantastic reward for all the hard work I’ve put in.
Q: The -48kg category is looking incredibly competitive this year. What are your thoughts on your potential opponents, including Tara Babulfath and Koga waka?
The competition is always fierce in this weight class. Tara Babulfath is a phenomenal talent, and Koga Waka is on a winning streak. It’s going to be an exciting and challenging battle on the mat. I’m looking forward to the test, and I’m confident in my ability to compete at the highest level.
Q: You’ve accomplished so much in your career already. How do you view this stage in your journey, and what legacy do you want to leave in judo?
I’m incredibly grateful for everything judo has given me. It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of pushing myself beyond my limits. I want to continue inspiring young judokas,both in Kosovo and around the world,to dream big and believe in their abilities. I hope my journey showcases the power of perseverance and the joy of competition.
Q: What would you say to young judoka who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Dedicate yourself fully to the sport, train hard, and never give up on your dreams. Judo isn’t just about winning; it’s about personal growth,self-discipline,and respect for your opponents. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the ride!
