Historic Day in Lima as Latin Judo Shines Bright at the Grand Prix

Welcome to Lima, the vibrant heart of Peru — a country known for its ancient cities and breathtaking landscapes — Lima now proudly hosts its first-ever Judo Grand Prix at the Coliseo Eduardo Dibós.

And with an action-packed opening day, the local crowd has had plenty to cheer about.

At -48kg, Fresh off her Grand Prix silver in Qingdao, Vargas Ley of Chile claimed her—and her country’s—first-ever Grand Prix gold, catching her opponent with an incredible change of direction.

IOC Member, Dr Paola PARETO was on hand to award the medals.

It was a first grand prix final for Izhak ASHPIZ in the -60kg category. With a closely fought contest, only a single yuko from ASHPIZ would decide it.

He was awarded his medal by Israel Judo Association President, Mr Moshe PONTE.

It was an all-Brazilian final in the -52kg category. With Jessica PEREIRA taking on teammate, Gabriela CONCEICAO. A Yuko score from PEREIRA saw her take gold.

A beautiful display of respect from the teammates.

She was awarded her medal by Peruvian Judo Federation President, Mrs Maria MARTINEZ MURCIEGO.

The -66kg category saw Valerio ACCOGLI pushed to his limits in a contest that ran over 5 minutes into golden score. A beautifully timed counter from ACCOGLI gave him the score, and gold.

The medals were awarded by IJF Education & Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA.

There was an all french final in the -57kg category with Amandine Buchard fighting up a weight. But Faiza MOKDAR kept up the pressure to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

She was awarded the gold medal by Peruvian Olympic Committee Board Member, Mrs Leyla CHIHUAN.

The home team opened their first grand prix with a fantastic display of judo. It was all smiles from the locals as Brillith GAMARRA made history to take the first IJF World Tour medal for Peruvian women.