Tbilisi welcomed the world's elite judokas for a gripping opening day of the World Judo Grand Slam. Fans packed the Tbilisi Arena as athletes vied for crucial ranking points and global prestige.
At -48kg, Turkey’s Tugce Beder defeated Sweden’s Olympic bronze medalist Tara Babulfath to claim gold, completing her Grand Slam medal set. International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer presented the medal.
In the -60kg division, 18-year-old Izhak Ashpiz of Israel captured his first Grand Slam title with a decisive waza-ari throw. The Russian Judo Federation’s Sergey Soloveychik awarded the podium honors.
France’s Blandine Pont edged Britain’s Tatum Keen at -52kg with a precise counter for yuko. Almaz Alsenov, CEO of Harvest Group and IJF partner, presided over the ceremony.
Azerbaijan’s Turan Bayramov fell just short against Kazakhstan’s Nurkanat Serikbayev in the -66kg final, who scored a winning yuko with 13 seconds left. Kazakh Minister Yerbol Myrzabossynov delivered the medals.
Timna Nelson Levy of Israel secured gold at -57kg with a textbook kosoto-gake. Hungary’s Michael Michaely awarded the honor.
Home favorite Tornike Gigauri earned Georgia a bronze at -66kg, igniting local excitement ahead of Day 2.