By&nbspEuronews with IJF

Published on 09/05/2026 - 20:05 GMT+2

Day 2 of the 2026 Judo Grand Slam in Astana, one of Central Asia’s most architecturally stunning cities. Spectators were eager for another thrilling day of world-class competition. The energy inside the venue did not disappoint.

An incredible opening ceremony saw the event officially opened by President of the International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr Yerbol Myrzabossynov and President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev.

Uzbekistan Judo Federation President, Mr Azizjon KAMILOV, alongside International Judo Federation President Mr Marius Vizer and General Treasurer Mr Naser AL TAMIMI officially agreed that the 2026 Junior World Championships will be in Tashkent.

The judo got underway with the -63kg. The final saw Dali LILUASHVILI take on Enkhriilen LKHAGVATOGOO.

A nailbiting contest saw LILUASHVILI go a yuko ahead, before receiving a third and final shido, giving the contest to the Mongolian!

Honorary Member of the Medical Science Academy of Romania, Dr Ioan COSMESCU was on hand to award the medals.

The -73kg category saw 2016 Olympic champion Fabio BASILE face off with Danil LAVRENTEV.

At one score each in golden score, LAVRENTEV dealt the final blow, managing to take home the gold.

He was awarded his medal by Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan Mr Shakhmurat MUTALIP.

At -70kg Miriam BUTKEREIT of Germany took on Clemence EME of France.

A yuko score was enough for EME to claim her first grand slam gold medal.

The medals were awarded by President of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation, Mr Kudrat SHAMIYEV.

At -81kg, Kazakhstan’s Zhalgas KAIROLLA took on Moldova’s Petru PELIVAN.

And to the delight of the home crowd, KAIROLLA put on an unbelievable show and secured himself a gold medal.

He was awarded his medal by the President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Mr Kuanyshbek YESSEKEYEV.

One gold medal and one bronze medal, plenty to celebrate!

Join us tomorrow, for the final day in Astana, the heavyweights!