The first judo competition after more than five months of corona break took place under strict hygienic regulations in the TV studio of Austria’s ORF in Vienna. An international friendly team match between Germany and hosts Austria.
Not more than 25 people were allowed to enter the studio. “The event gives hope to the judo world,” stated the men’s national coach of Germany, Richard Trautmann, who also admitted that the friendly match was a good test for his athletes. “We knew it would be a close game. The performances were very mixed. The Austrian team was well prepared,” he added. The German women’s national team coach Claudiu Pusa said: “There were wonderful ippons on both sides. The result was very close.”
Germany prevailed 7:5 in the international friendly match against Austria in Vienna on Thursday evening. The victories on the German side were achieved by Helena Grau (up to 48 kg), Theresa Stoll (up to 57 kg), Emil-Johann Hennebach (up to 81 kg), Nadja Bazynski (up to 63 kg), Karl-Richard Frey (up to 100 kg), Luise Malzahn (up to 78 kg) and Johannes Frey (over 100 kg).
Daniel Leutgeb (-60), Lukas Reiter (-73), Lisa Grabner (-57), Johannes Pacher (-90) and Michaela Polleres (-70) provided the Austrian points.
In the class up to 73 kg, Alexander Gabler had no chance against Austrian Lukas Reiter. “I can beat anyone,” Reiter had expressed optimism about his fight against Gabler, and he kept his word. The 24-year-old from Lower Austria was able to convince with a strong grip and high level of aggressiveness. “I am really satisfied with my performance!”
“We are clearly underdogs, a draw would be like a win for us,” said Austrian national coach Patrick Rusch before the prestigious duel against Germany. However his team put up a positive performance. Austria were able to score consistently against their favoured guests. At halftime it was 3:3 and Rusch’s face brightened noticeably. There was no longer any question of a clear defeat.
In all, the event looked clean on TV, with quality judo but with limited staff, strong hygienic regulations and obviously no attendance by judo fans. With interviews, good coverage and graphics the broadcasting and event was a good test ahead of the return of international judo.
Hans van Essen – AIPS Judo Delegate
