NEWS FLASH: 2025 Judo Grand Slam: Amazing Uzbek performance as Japanese women……
The 2025 OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam, held from February 28 to March 2 at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, showcased exceptional performances from both Uzbek and Japanese judokas. This event not only highlighted Uzbekistan’s rising prominence in the judo world but also reaffirmed Japan’s enduring legacy in the sport.
Uzbekistan’s Stellar Performance
Uzbek judokas delivered remarkable performances, capitalizing on their home advantage and recent momentum from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Diyora Keldiyorova, the Olympic gold medalist in the women’s 52 kg category, continued her dominance by securing her sixth Grand Slam title. Her journey to the podium was marked by strategic prowess and unwavering determination, culminating in a decisive victory over her Japanese counterpart in the finals. Keldiyorova’s consistent success has solidified her status as a leading figure in international judo.
In the men’s division, Utkirbek Turaboev, competing in the over 100 kg category, showcased resilience and skill. Following his bronze medal achievement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in October 2024, Turaboev advanced to the finals in Tashkent, where he faced a formidable opponent from Japan. Despite a hard-fought match, Turaboev secured a silver medal, further elevating his international standing and contributing to Uzbekistan’s growing reputation in heavyweight judo.
Japanese Women’s Team Excellence
The Japanese women’s team maintained their tradition of excellence, with several judokas reaching the podium. In the women’s 48 kg category, Mitsuki Kondo clinched the gold medal after a thrilling final against France’s Shirine Boukli. The match extended into golden score, where Kondo’s perseverance led her to secure an osae-komi, earning Japan its first Grand Slam gold of 2025. Her teammate, Wakana Koga, also delivered a commendable performance, capturing a bronze medal in the same weight class. These achievements underscore the depth of talent within Japan’s judo program and their sustained global competitiveness.
Event Significance and Organizational Excellence
The Tashkent Grand Slam has become a pivotal event on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour, reflecting Uzbekistan’s dedication to promoting judo both nationally and internationally. Azizjon Kamilov, President of the Uzbekistan Judo Federation, emphasized the nation’s commitment to fostering a robust judo culture, attributing recent successes to enhanced training facilities and unwavering support from the government. The seamless organization of the event, combined with enthusiastic local support, created an atmosphere conducive to high-level competition and camaraderie among participating nations.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the 2025 Tashkent Grand Slam have set the stage for an exciting judo season ahead. Uzbekistan’s judokas are poised to build upon their recent successes, aiming for continued prominence in upcoming international competitions. Simultaneously, Japan’s athletes remain steadfast in their pursuit of judo excellence, with their recent performances reaffirming their status as perennial powerhouses in the sport. As the judo community looks forward to future events, the narratives from Tashkent serve as a testament to the sport’s dynamic and evolving landscape.
