Anna-Maria Wagner beats Wagner for gold in Dushanbe

The -78 kg category at the Dushanbe Grand Slam showcased the intense competition and high-level judo that fans have come to expect. With powerful athletes vying for victory, every match was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Anna-Maria Wagner of Germany emerged as the dominant force in the category, displaying her trademark uchi-mata to secure victories and ultimately claim the gold medal. Her teammate Alina Boehm, seeded second, fought valiantly but was unable to overcome Wagner's dominance in the final. Wagner's win on penalties solidified her position as one of the top competitors in the world.

The bronze medal contests were equally thrilling, with Emma Reid of Great Britain refusing to concede defeat and securing her first grand slam medal with a determined performance against Patricia Sampaio of Portugal. Meanwhile, Polish fighter Pacut-Kloczko showcased her skill and resilience to claim the second bronze, dealing a disappointment to Powell of Great Britain.

Throughout the tournament, top contenders like Wagner and Boehm demonstrated their strength and skill, dispatching opponents with impressive displays of judo prowess. The quality of competition was exceptional, with many seasoned veterans and rising stars showcasing their talent on the mat.

As the Olympic Games approach, the competition in the -78 kg category promises to be fierce, with a lineup of formidable athletes from around the world. With names like Lanir, Tcheumeo, Malonga, and Hamada among the qualified competitors, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown in Paris. Wagner will now take some rest and train in Cologne, Germany with a small group and be present at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.