Kazakhstan claimed gold on day two of the 2026 Judo Grand Slam in Astana, thrilling the home crowd. The event, held in the Central Asian city known for its striking architecture, drew strong international participation and high-energy competition. The opening ceremony was led by International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer, Kazakhstan's Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov, and Kazakhstan Judo Federation President Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev. During the ceremony, a formal agreement was confirmed: the 2026 Junior World Championships will be hosted in Tashkent, signed by Uzbekistan Judo Federation President Azizjon Kamilov, Vizer, and IJF General Treasurer Naser Al Tamimi.
In the -63kg final, Dali Liluashvili faced Enkhriilen Lkhagvatoogoo in a tense match. Liluashvili held a yuko lead but received a third shido, handing victory to the Mongolian. The medal ceremony was conducted by Dr Ioan Cosmescu, an Honorary Member of the Medical Science Academy of Romania. The -73kg category featured 2016 Olympic champion Fabio Basile against Danil Lavrentev. With the score tied, Lavrentev scored during golden score to win gold, receiving his medal from Shakhmurat Mutalip, Vice President of Kazakhstan's National Olympic Committee. In the -70kg division, France's Clemence Eme defeated Germany's Miriam Butkereit with a single yuko, securing her first Grand Slam gold. "I feel like a lot of people like judo, it's a cultural thing here," Eme said. "Last year I fought here and I felt the same thing, so the crowd is amazing and I like to see that the crowd like fighters and like judo." Medal duties were carried out by Kudrat Shamiyev, President of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation. In the -81kg final, Kazakhstan's Zhalgas Kairolla triumphed over Moldova's Petru Pelivan, earning a gold that sparked celebration among local fans. "Yes, I have had a lot of support from my community," Kairolla said. "They gave me a lot of strength. I have a lot of brothers and sisters, and friends who come from all over the world. I heard all the screaming. Thank you all truly." He received his medal from Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev. Kazakhstan ended the day with one gold and one bronze. The final day of competition will feature the heavyweight categories.
Zhalgas Kairolla's gold medal win in front of a home crowd contrasts with the absence of any African judoka in the podium finishes mentioned. Clemence Eme's comment about cultural support for judo in Astana raises questions about why similar energy is not reflected in African judo events. No African nation was named in connection with hosting upcoming championships, despite the sport's global reach. The visibility gap for African athletes remains evident.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
