The final day of the 2025 Dushanbe Grand Slam saw thrilling ippons, home glory for Rakhimov, and breakout golds for Hajiyev, Reid, Kostoev, and Jia. Tajikistan closed the event with power, pride, and passion on the tatami.
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Tajikistan braces for a powerful finish to a thrilling event as Judo’s heavyweights take to the tatami.
At -90kg, Eljan HAJIYEV faced Vugar TALIBOV. The Azrei compatriots fought hard for the top spot on the podium, HAJIYEV ultimately scoring ippon to claim his first Grand Slam gold.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Tajikistan, His Excellency Mr Alimirzamin ASKEROV awarded the medals.
At -78kg, Emma REID faced Yuxiao PENG. The British athlete reacted to Peng’s attack with lightning speed and scored a beautiful ippon, crowning her with the Dushanbe gold medal.
IJF Refereeing Supervisor Ms Tina TRSTENJAK awarded the medals.
At -100kg, Dzhafar KOSTOEV faced Dzhakhongir MADZHIDOV. KOSTOEV attacked with an unusual ura-nage, scoring ippon to earn his second Grand Slam gold medal this year! A confident performance from the rising star.
IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen BAGDASAROV awarded the medals.
At +78kg, Chundi JIA faced Ye LIANG. The Chinese teammates fought hard, but it was JIA who came out on top after holding LIANG down for 20 seconds. Her first Grand Slam ending in a gold!
Tajikistan Judo Federation Vice President Mr Ergash MAKHMADBEKOV awarded the medals.
At +100kg, Temur RAKHIMOV faced Dzhamal GAMZATKHANOV. Taking the contest into a dramatic golden score, RAKHIMOV almost immediately countered his opponent for a big ippon. The crowd roared with delight as the Tajik heavyweight claimed gold on home turf.
Tajikistan Judo Federation President Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR awarded the medals.
There were roars from the home crowd as Tajik stars produced breathtaking ippons — the atmosphere here is simply incredible.
Three days of elite Judo come to an end in Tajikistan.