Puljiz Triumphs Over World Champion

Croatian judoka Ana Viktorija Puljiz claimed the bronze medal on the opening day of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Grand Slam in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The competition features 370 athletes from 39 nations.

The Croatian judo team is currently competing in Uzbekistan as part of the IJF World Tour. Puljiz’s victory marked a strong start for the team.

A Hard-Fought Victory in the -57 kg Category

In the bronze medal contest for the -57 kg category, Puljiz faced Eteri Liparteliani, the reigning world champion from Georgia. The match was initially chaotic, but Puljiz demonstrated resilience and skill.

“I can really say that I am grateful and satisfied with this medal, especially for the third place, where I beat the current world champion and European vice-champion. The experience of the fight itself was phenomenal, I saw it as a challenge and I knew that I could really beat her, due to the fact that this is judo and it doesn’t matter what the result is. Anyone can beat anyone, I knew what I could do with my style, so after four fights and three victories, the bronze medal is here,”

Ana Viktorija Puljiz

Liparteliani initially scored a waza-ari, but Puljiz quickly equalized and continued to apply pressure. Puljiz secured the decisive yuko in extra time, earning her place on the podium.

Road to the Medal

Puljiz received a first-round bye. She then defeated Russian judoka Vita Maidanik in the second round. Although she was stopped in the quarterfinals by Brazil’s Jessica Lima, Puljiz fought her way back through the repechage, defeating Italian Giulia Carna.

Coach Expresses Satisfaction

Dragan Crnov, the head coach of the Croatian women’s national team, expressed his satisfaction with Puljiz’s performance.

“I have nothing else to say except that I am very happy and satisfied with today’s medal. A bronze medal at the Grand Slam and a victory against the current world champion, a really fantastic day and this gives me hope that we will achieve great results this season, obviously all with a view to the Los Angeles Olympics,”

Dragan Crnov

Looking Ahead

Iva Oberan and Nina Simić will compete tomorrow. Oberan will await the winner of the match between Japan’s Narumi Tanioka and Germany’s Friederike Stolze. Simić will face Russian Stefanija Vlasova in the first round.