By Euronews with IJF

Published on 20/03/2026 - 19:18 GMT+1

Tbilisi, Georgia, an iconic stop on the world judo world tour. The crowd arrived at the Tbilisi Arena for an exciting first day of Judo.

The tournament was officially opened by President of the International Judo Federation Mr Marius VIZER and President of the Georgian Judo Federation Mr Levan NOZADZE.

At -48kg Tugce BEDER of Turkyie was up against Olympic bronze medalist Tara BABULFATH of Sweden in the final. BEDER took the gold with a dominant performance, completing her grand slam medal collection. She was awarded her medal by President of the International Judo Federation Mr Marius VIZER.

At -60kg, 18 year old Izhak ASHPIZ was fighting for his first-ever Grand Slam Gold. Seizing an opportunity, ASHPIZ was able to throw his opponent for a waza-ari score, sealing his victory. He was awarded his medal by President of the Russian Judo Federation Mr Sergey SOLOVEYCHIK.

At -52kg Tatum KEEN of Great Britain met Blandine PONT of France in the final. A beautifully timed counter from PONT and a yuko score saw her on top of the podium.

CEO of Harvest Group, Partner of the International Judo Federation, Mr Almaz ALSENOV awarded the medals.

The -66kg Turan BAYRAMOV of Azerbaijan was up against Nurkanat SERIKBAYEV of Kazahkstan.

With only 13 seconds left on the clock, SERIKBAYEV caught his opponent for a yuko score and gold.

The medals were awarded by Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr Yerbol MYRZABOSSYNOV.

At u57kg Timna NELSON LEVY was hoping to take home her second career Grand Slam gold medal, and a text book kosoto-gake did just that.

Chairman of CEDCO Hungary Mr Michael MICHAELY awarded the medals.

With a bronze medal for Tornike GIGAURI at -66Kg the home crowd were left with high enthusiasm for Day 2 here in Tbilisi.