The Guadalajara Grand Prix 2025 kicked off with electrifying action as judo stars from across the globe battled for gold. Highlights included victories for Laborde, Aghayev, Pereira, Pashayev, and Buchard, marking a stunning opening day for the World Judo Tour in Mexico.
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Mexico plays host to the Guadalajara Judo Grand Prix 2025. With its rich culture and passion for sport, Mexico provides the ideal stage for this prestigious event.
The atmosphere in the Unidad Deportiva Lopez Mateos was electric as athletes from around the world took to the tatami.
The -48kg saw Maria Celia LABORDE of the USA face Eva PEREZ SOLER of Spain.
An early Yuko score from LABORDE was enough to see her victorious and claim her first Grand Prix Gold.
PJC Honorary President, Mr Manuel LARRAÑAGA, was on hand to award the medals.
In an intense -60kg final, Balabay AGHAYEV of Azerbaijan, with only 29 seconds left on the clock, found the opening he needed to secure the top spot and claim his first Grand Prix gold.
He was awarded his medal by IJF Education & Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA.
Just six days after her Lima Grand Prix gold, Jessica PEREIRA was back in another -52kg final. A perfectly timed attack sealed her second consecutive title, an outstanding achievement for the Brazilian.
She was awarded her medal by IJF Head Sport Director, Mr Vladimir BARTA.
In the -66kg final, Luukas SAHA from Finland was up against Ruslan PASHAYEV of Azerbaijan. With very little between the two, and only seconds into golden score, PASHAYEV was able to catch his opponent, putting Saha flat on his back and himself on top of the podium.
The medals were awarded by Mexico Olympic Committee EC Member, Ms Samantha DESCIDERIO.
The -57kg category had its second consecutive all-French final. Amandine BUCHARD, determined to improve on her silver from Lima, delivered a strong performance, scoring two yukos. She was able to claim her second medal of the week, except this time, it was gold.
She was awarded the gold medal by IJF Referee Director, Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ.
The home team gave the crowd plenty to cheer for on the opening day of the Grand Prix, delivering impressive techniques and some heart-stopping moments.
We cant wait to see what’s coming up, on Day 2.