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In the first final of the day, the -48kg category, Turkey’s very own Sila ERSIN came up against the queen of the category, Natsumi TSUNODA of Japan who used both her trademark moves - tomoe-nagi for waza-ari and then arm-locked to take the victory. Fantastic transition shown from the Japanese World Champion in front of a passionate crowd.
Fatih UYSAL, Youth and Sports Ministry Deputy General Manager, awarded the medals.
At -60kg Ayub BLIEV took on Luka MKHEIDZE in a physical encounter that went to golden score. It was BLIEV who managed to overpower his opponent to score ippon and win the gold medal.
Mohammed MERIDJA, IJF Education & Coaching Director, awarded the medals.
The judo world’s most dominant female fighter made an appearance at -52kg… Uta Abe, unbeaten since 2019. Barely 10 seconds on the clock and it was all over. Ippon to Abe and her winning streak continues. Can anybody stop her on her run towards another Olympic gold? Local fans were desperate to get their moment with the legendary judoka.
IJF Vice President, Laszlo TOTH awarded the medals.
“It feels great," said ABE Uta. "I can hear everyone’s voice and that always makes me a little bit stronger and that probably led to me winning today”.
Hifumi ABE took the lead from his sister and also finished his -66kg final in swift fashion by throwing Nurali EMOMALI for Ippon. The two Japanese reign supreme.
Juan Carlos BARCOS, IJF Co-ordinator for Int Refereeing Seminars, awarded the medals.
“I’m very happy to see how popular judo is here and all of these people that have come out to see it." said ABE Hifumi "I’m delighted to see people rooting for me of course, I’m just very happy overall”.
The -57kg final was an all pan-american matchup. Canada’s Christa DEGUCHI took up the challenge of Jessica LIMA from Brazil, and the Canadian eventually used O-uchi-gari to take gold!
IJF Sport Director, Michael TAMURA awarded the medals.
The local Turkish crowd were treated to some wonderful moments from their team today.
Join us tomorrow for more thrilling judo action in the heart of Turkey’s natural splendor.
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The Holy Week schedule is challenging for popes even under the best of circumstances. But that is especially true this year for Francis, who has been battling on and off all winter what he and the Vatican have described as a case of the flu, bronchitis or a cold.
And in recent weeks, the 87-year-old Pontiff has often shown increased difficulties in walking, has asked an aide to read aloud his remarks and has been heard breathing heavily during public events.
Francis, who is frequently reliant on a wheelchair, was due to travel at night later on Friday to the Colosseum for the Way of the Cross procession re-enacting Christ’s crucifixion.
The torchlit procession to the Coliseum - which dates to the 18th century and was revived in 1964 - attracts thousands of faithful who listen to meditations re-enacting Christ's crucifixion.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will return to the table for cease-fire talks with Hamas.
Friday’s announcement marks yet another attempt to reach a deal to pause Israel’s devastating war in Gaza against Hamas in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. Efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to negotiate a cease-fire appear stalled as the war grinds through its sixth month.
Hamas has previously suggested a phased release of all remaining hostages in return for an end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Netanyahu called these conditions delusional, and said that after any hostage release, Israel will keep fighting until Hamas is destroyed.
Hamas is believed to be holding roughly 100 hostages, as well as the remains of about 30 people killed in the 7 October attack.
Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 32,000 people and wounded 74,000, according to the the territory's Health Ministry.
UN Court: Israel must open more land crossings in Gaza
In a legally binding order, the top United Nations court says Israel must open more land crossings into Gaza for food, water, fuel and other supplies.
The International Court of Justice issued two new so-called provisional measures Thursday in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide in its war in Gaza — charges Israel strongly denies.
The UN has reported that 2.3 million people are at severe levels of food insecurity in Gaza. Aid deliveries have been impeded by Israeli military restrictions, ongoing hostilities and the breakdown of public order, according to the UN and international aid groups.