Faiza Mokdar makes statement with first gold in the World Tour

Faiza Mokdar, fresh off her victory at the prestigious Paris Grand Slam earlier this season, continues to solidify her reputation as a top contender in the U57kg judo category. After also claiming bronze in Antalya, Mokdar earned a spot at the World Championships Abu Dhabi 2024. Despite her strong performances, she narrowly missed the podium there, with the Olympic qualification going to Sarah-Léonie Cysique instead.

Back in action at the post-Olympic Zagreb Grand Prix, Mokdar showcased her form once again, making it to the final after defeating compatriot Martha Fawaz in the semi-final. Along the way, she eliminated Croatia’s Dora Bortas and Slovenia’s Nika Tomc. Her path to the gold medal match demonstrated her growing dominance on the international judo circuit.

Ana Viktorija Puljiz (CRO), representing the host nation, put on an impressive performance to reach the final. After defeating Hungary’s Kitti Kovacs in the early rounds, Puljiz secured tactical victories over Pleuni Cornelisse (NED) and Beatriz Comanche (BRA). In the semi-final, she overcame Kosovo’s Flaka Loxha, earning her place in the final and Croatia's first medal opportunity at this Grand Prix.

The final bout between Mokdar and Puljiz was a tense affair, with neither judoka able to take control. Mokdar was penalized twice for false attacks, while Puljiz received one shido. As the match entered golden score, it was Mokdar who finally seized the moment, executing a clean seoi-otoshi for waza-ari and securing the gold medal.

In the bronze medal matches, Beatriz Comanche of Brazil faced Martha Fawaz (FRA), with the French judoka securing another medal for her team. The second bronze match saw Tihea Topolovec (CRO) take on Flaka Loxha (KOS). Topolovec scored early with a waza-ari from a sumi-gaeshi, but Loxha turned the match around with a sankaku pin to secure the ippon, taking the second bronze for Kosovo.