Day 3 delivered a powerful finale in Abu Dhabi. Lasha Bekauri dominated at -90kg, Anna-Monta Olek defeated Bellandi in a world-final rematch, and Arman Adamian returned to gold after two years. Mukonoki and Batkhuyag added impressive wins to close the 2025 Grand Slam.
The weekend’s judo came to a climactic conclusion in Abu Dhabi, as the mainstay Grand Slam event, there saw the heavyweights take the stage.
In -90kg double Olympic Champion Lasha Bekauri was back, and once again looking almost impossible for anyone in the category to handle.
His unique judo ability saw him defeat promising Moldovan youngster Latisev in the final and once again stand atop a podium!
Mr Naser AL TAMIMI, IJF General Treasurer, awarded the medals.
It was a rematch of this year’s world final at -78kg, but Anna Monta Olek this time overcame current world and Olympic Champion Alice Bellandi in groundwork, solidifying her claim as one of the category’s best.
Dr Lisa ALLAN, IJF Secretary General, awarded her the gold medal
In the -100kg final former world champion Arman ADAMIAN went down a score early against his teammate Bifov.
But the powerhouse Judoka showed hi showed his class to come back with not one but two scores and take his first gold medal in two years.
A welcome return to form for one of the category's biggest throwers.
IJF President, Mr Marius VIZER, awarded him his long awaited gold medal
At +78kg Miki MUKUNOKI executed a textbook uchi-mata to overcome a significant size difference against Chin’a Xinran NIU.
A beautiful throw showcasing perfect judo principles.
The medals were awarded by CBH Bank CEO, Mr Simon BENHAMOU.
At +100kg Gonchigsuren BATKHUYAG took on World and Olympic Medallist Tamerlan BASHAEV.
Batkhuyag held onto a yuko lead to take the last gold medal of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025.
IJF Vice President, Mr Obaid AL ANZI, awarded the medals.
02:55 So after 3 great days, that’s all from Abu Dhabi.