IJF awards 14 World leaders 50,000 USD each

The International Judo Federation has awarded all 14 judoka who ended 2016 as the world number ones with an extra $50,000 each in prize money. Seven male judoka and seven female judoka received the cash windfall as 10 countries were represented at the top of the final world ranking list for 2016.

Rio 2016 Olympic champion Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS) said: “This is a great moment for all high level athletes including myself. The IJF President, Mr. Vizer, is thinking a lot for athletes. I feel great looking back on my 2016. Winning the Olympic title was the greatest achievement of my life.”
Rio 2016 Olympic siver medallist Rustam Orujov (AZE) said: “I am very happy that in 2016 I was the first in the world ranking! 2016 was very successful for me, I won gold at the European Championships and silver at the Olympic Games! I want to thank the President of the International Judo Federation this gift!”

Prize money winners:
MUNKHBAT Urantsetseg (MGL) – 48kg
Majlinda KELMENDI (KOS) – 52kg
DORSUREN Sumiya (MGL) – 57kg
Tina TRSTENJAK (SLO) – 63kg
Kim POLLING (NED) -70kg
Kayla HARRISON (USA) -78kg
Idalys ORTIZ (CUB) +78kg

Orkhan SAFAROV (AZE) -60kg 
An BAUL (KOR) -66kg
Rustam ORUJOV (AZE) -73g
NAGASE Takanori (JPN) -81kg
BAKER Mashu (JPN) -90kg
Elmar GASIMOV (AZE) -100kg
Teddy RINER (FRA) +100kg

Never the prize money for the number one rank was so high for all athletes. In the past Teddy Riner took ost of the prize money with 40,000 USD in 2014 and 50,000 USD in 2015. Also Kim Polling and Urantsetseg Munkhbat won end of season money for the third time in a row as number one of the world. Both received 10,000 USD over the last two years, now increased to 50,000 USD.