00:00Day two of the 2026 Judo Grand Slam in Astana, one of Central Asia's most architecturally stunning cities.
00:07Spectators were eager for another thrilling day of world-class competition.
00:11The energy inside the venue did not disappoint.
00:14An incredible opening ceremony saw the event officially opened by President of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Marius Vizor.
00:22Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Yerbol Mursabosinov.
00:27And President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Mr. Kwanishbek Yesekiev.
00:32Uzbekistan Judo Federation President, Mr. Aziz John Kamilov, alongside International Judo Federation President, Mr. Marius Vizor and General Treasurer, Mr.
00:40Nasser Altamini,
00:41officially agreed that the 2026 Junior World Championships will be in Tashkent.
00:46And then the Judo got underway with the under 63 kilograms.
00:50The final saw Dali Lilulashvili take on Enkhalen Lukagvotogu.
00:54A nail-biting contest saw Lilulashvili go a yuko ahead before receiving a third and final Shido, giving the contest
01:01to the Mongolian.
01:05Honorary member of the Medical Science Academy of Romania, Dr. Ioan Kosmescu, was on hand to award the medals.
01:12The under 73 kilogram category saw 2016 Olympic champion Fabio Basile face off with Daniel Lavrentev.
01:21At one score each in golden score, Lavrentev dealt the final blow, managing to take home the gold.
01:27He was awarded his medal by Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, Mr. Shakhmurat Muttalip.
01:37At under 70 kilograms, Miriam Butkeret of Germany took on Clemence M of France.
01:43A yuko score was enough for M to claim her first Grand Slam gold medal.
01:54I feel like a lot of people like Judo. It's a cultural thing here.
01:58Last year I fought here and I felt the same thing. So the crowd is amazing.
02:01And I like to see that the crowd like fighters and like Judo.
02:05The medals were awarded by President of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation, Mr. Kudrat Shamiev.
02:14At under 81 kilograms, Kazakhstan's Jalgaz Karola took on Moldova's Petru Pelavan.
02:20And to the delight of the home crowd, Karola put on an unbelievable show and secured himself a gold medal.
02:29Yes, I have had a lot of support from my community. They gave me a lot of strength.
02:34I have a lot of brothers and sisters and friends who come from all over the world.
02:38I heard all the screaming. Thank you all, truly.
02:43He was awarded his medal by the President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Mr. Kwanishbek Yasekiyev.
02:50One gold medal and one bronze medal. Plenty for the home team to celebrate.
02:55Join us tomorrow for the final day in Astana, the heavyweights.
Comments