Israeli judokas win gold, silver at major international contest
Inbar Lanir takes top medal after storming her way to final of 78-kilo category; Peter Paltchik comes second in men’s 100-kilo event
Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir won a gold medal Sunday at the Hungarian Masters 2023 championship in Budapest, the top achievement for the national squad that will bring home three medals.
Lanir conquered the women’s up to 78-kilo category.
Shortly after her win, fellow Israeli Peter Paltchik took to the mat in the men’s up to 100-kilogram final, settling for the silver after losing to Tubrobyev Muzaffarbek of Uzbekistan.
The two medals add to a bronze won by Kerem Primo on Friday in the women’s up to 52-kilo event.
There were some 55 countries participating in the championship.
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar tweeted, “A huge achievement! Proud of you Inbar.”
Lanir, 23, put on a dominating performance throughout the contest, quickly dispatching her adversaries on the path to the final. Her semifinal bout against Lee Jeongyun of South Korea lasted just seven seconds.
-78 semi-final
Inbar LANIR????????vs
Jeongyun LEE???????? https://t.co/Ic6IuEN37B pic.twitter.com/UmCBKWcUk6— 2023judo (@1974ay1) August 6, 2023
It then took her just 58 seconds to beat Malonga Madeleine from France in the final with an ippon. Posvite Fanny Estelle of France and Lytvynenko Yelyzaveta of Ukraine shared the bronze.
The gold for Lanir, the reigning world champion, will now make her the top-ranked athlete in her class.
Israel has won a number of Judo medals at the Olympics, but has not won any Olympic golds in the sport.
Judo is one of Israel’s strongest sports, along with windsurfing, sailing and rhythmic gymnastics.
