The 2026 Tashkent Grand Slam kicked off with a strong showing from home favorites. In the -48 kg category, China's HUI Xinran secured gold with a decisive Ouchi-gari.
In the -60kg division, Ahmad YUSIFOV of Azerbaijan triumphed over his compatriot Balabay AGHAYEV in a closely contested final, decided by a golden score wazari.
Japan's FUJISHIRO Kokoro showcased her ground-fighting prowess in the -52kg class, earning the top podium spot.
Two-time Olympic champion ABE Hifumi of Japan delivered a spectacular performance in the -66kg bout, securing an ippon with a powerful sode tsuri komi goshi against teammate HATTORI Shinsei.
A major upset occurred in the -57kg category as home fighter Shukurjon AMINOVA defeated the reigning world champion. Aminova then went on to dominate the final, securing Uzbekistan's first gold medal of the event. Doston RUZIEV also contributed to the home nation's pride with a bronze medal win.