Gold for Tajikistan on Day 1 in Dushanbe
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The Dushanbe Grand Slam 2026 opened with a brilliant day for the home crowd as Nurali Emomali struck gold. Anudari Jamsran, Ayub Bliev, Odette Giuffrida and Olga Mukhina also topped the podium in a packed Kasri Tennis arena.
The World judo tour returned to judo mad Tajikistan for this year’s edition of the Dushanbe Grand Slam.
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The Kasri Tennis was once again the hottest ticket in town. And the stadium was packed to the rafters with Tajik judo fans from the beginning of the day.
At -48 kg, Mongolia’s Anudari JAMSRAN took on Amber GERSJES of the Netherlands.
A single yuko was the only difference between the two with JAMSRAN victorious.
International Judo Federation Education and Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA was on hand to award the medals.
In the -60kg final Ayub BLIEV overcame Artem LESIUK with an accomplished performance. Two waza aris combined to make a gold medal winning ippon.
A fourth grand slam gold medal for the 28 year old.
He was awarded his medal by Dushanbe Deputy Mayor, Ms Dilbar Rakhim ODILZODA.
At -52kg, 2024 world champion Odette GIUFFRIDA came through a tactical match to earn a sixth grand slam gold medal.
It’s my first time here in Tajikistan. Everyone talks about this special place. And today was really special. I felt all of the people with me, I wish everyone could experience this place.Odette GIUFFRIDA ITA (ENG)
She was awarded her medal by Ms Tina TRSTENJAK, International Judo Federation Referee Director.
At -66kg Nurali EMOMALI came to give the home crowd what they wanted. He was facing off against ORTIKOV of Uzbekistan. A moment of brilliance early on in the contest earned him the most spectacular of waza ari scores and was enough to send the crowd wild as he earned his second Dushanbe gold grand slam gold.
This year, the world masters will be held here and I’m so grateful to my fans, I came here to make them happy and I’m pleased that I became the champion.Nurali EMOMALI TJK (Tajik)
The medals were awarded by Tajikistan Judo Federation President, Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR.
In the -57kg final Olga MUKHINA’s two yuko scores were enough to see her past Mongolia’s TERBISH.
She was awarded the gold by Mr Kosei INOUE, International Judo Federation Sport Director.
It was a great day for the home nation, with great judo on display from the whole Tajik team.
Highlighted by 18 year old Loiq KUDBUDINOV took a well earned bronze medal!
Join us tomorrow for the middle-weights!
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