Heavyweights Shine on Final Day of Tbilisi Grand Slam
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Judo crazy Georgia saw the final day of the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam, and it was time for the heavyweights.
The crowd flooded into the arena to witness the most dynamic day of judo so far!
At
-90kg
Umar BOZOROV pulled off an impressive comeback to defeat France's MATHIEU. An unorthodox technique won the Uzbek gold at his first world tour event. IJF Head Referee Director, Mr Armen BAGDASAROV was on hand to award the medals.
It was a breakout day for Slovenia's Metka Lobnik, as she defeated Columbia's Junior World Champion Olaya in the
-78kg
final. Dominant ne-waza saw the Slovenian also take her first world tour gold. She was awarded her medal by IJF Sport Director, Mr Michael TAMURA
It's my second time here, so I really enjoyed the crowd, it gives you a bit more energy, you know. Especially the front rows that are filled with children, it's very good to see.
Metka Lobnik
At
-100kg
Anton SAVYTSKIY defeated Simeon CATHARINA after a closely fought contest. Securing a hold down in golden score, 5 seconds was all that was needed to also earn him his first ever grand slam gold. He was awarded his medal by Olympic Champion & Georgian Parliament Member, Mr Shota KHABARELI.
At
+78kg
Olympic Medallist Romane Dicko put on a typically dominant display. Scoring with her favourite technique, the former World Champion took gold. The medals were awarded by IJF Media & Judo for Peace Director, Mr Nicolas MESSNER.
At
+100kg
, former World Champion Guram TUSHISHVILI had all hopes pinned on him, but he faced off against another former World Champion, Inal TASOEV. The smallest score of yuko would separate these 2 champions, earning Tasoev the gold medal. He is a truly force to be reckoned with at +100kg. Georgian Judo Federation Honorary President, Mr Slava SHERAZADISHVILI, awarded the gold medal.
Today wasn't all about the heavyweights, one of their lightweights, Lukhumi Chkhvimiani was celebrated by the crowd too, as the former World Champion officially retired. You can see why Georgia is so famous for judo.
Their heavyweights put on such an outstanding display on the most action packed day so far, the stadium was deafening. Multiple medals for the home team, a fitting way to bring this phenomenal grand slam to a close.
Thank you Georgia!
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