00:00Welcome back to Georgia for Day 2 of the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026.
00:05The Tbilisi Arena welcomed athletes from around the world for another exciting day of competition.
00:13The atmosphere was electric as local heroes took to the tatami in pursuit of the podium.
00:19At under 63 kg, current world champion Haruka Kaju of Japan faced former world champion Joanne van Leysout of the
00:26Netherlands.
00:27With both fighters showing strong Neuaza throughout the day, the stage was set for a true battle.
00:34In the final, however, it was Kaju who controlled the tempo and took gold.
00:43The Georgian judo fans were so passionate, and even though I'm not from Georgia, I felt their incredible support, which
00:49made it easier to compete. It was fun.
00:54Referee director of the International Judo Federation, Olympic and world champion Ms. Tina Tersteniak awarded the medals.
01:03At under 73 kg, Leonardo Valeriani of Italy met Valtteri Olin of Finland in the final.
01:10Valeriani was looking unstoppable, producing some of the day's best Ippons.
01:17In the final, the Italian took things to the ground instead, forcing a submission from his opponent to win his
01:23first ever Grand Slam gold.
01:29I love this place. I love Tbilisi. I love all the people in the stadium because they are so hot
01:37when they cheer.
01:37And I feel very good when they appear. Yes, I like it.
01:43His medal was awarded by head sport director of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Vladimir Bartha.
01:50At under 70 kg, Olympic bronze medalist Medina Taimazova was looking for her fourth Grand Slam gold.
01:57A perfectly timed attack saw Taimazova back on top of the podium.
02:05International Judo Federation Sport Commission member and three-time world judo champion Ms. Yuri Alvear awarded the medals.
02:12Vedat Albayrak of Turkey took gold here in Tbilisi last year and was looking to continue his streak in the
02:18under 81 kg category.
02:20Driven by the cheers of the crowd, Albayrak clinched the victory in the final seconds, securing the gold medal.
02:30He received his medal from referee director of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Raul Camacho Perez.
02:39The crowd went wild when Giorgio Lalladze gave us one of the throws of the day to take a home
02:45bronze medal in the under 73 kg.
02:53Tomorrow is the turn of the heavyweights. We'll see you then for the third and final day.
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