Day one of the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 delivered thrilling action. Hui Xinran claimed -48kg gold, Abe Hifumi stunned with the throw of the day, and Shukurjon Aminova secured Uzbekistan’s first gold. A bronze from Doston Ruziev capped a proud start for the host nation.
After kicking off in Paris, this year's World Judo Tour has landed back in Uzbekistan for the 2026 Tashkent Grand Slam.
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As always, the Uzbek public turned out in droves to cheer their home fighters and soak in the top level action from some world greats.
At -48 kg, it was HUI Xinran of China who took the spoils. An opportune, but beautiful low Ouchi-gari, as her opponent tried to stand, saw her delighted to collect the gold.
Mr BIAN Qingfeng, Taishan Group Chairman was on hand to award the medals.
Ahmad YUSIFOV overcame his compatriot Balabay AGHAYEV in a close -60kg final, a wazari in golden score the only difference between them.
He was awarded his medal by Mr LIU Hongtao, Impulse Health Tech Co Ltd Chairman.
At -52kg, FUJISHIRO Kokoro demonstrated the dominance of the Japanese women's team in ground work, freeing her leg with ease to hold her opponent and take the top spot on the podium.
She was awarded her medal by IJF General Treasurer, Mr Naser AL TAMIMI.
At -66kg it was a thrilling victory for two time olympic and 4 time world champion ABE Hifumi. He took no time at all to launch team mate HATTORI Shinsei with sode tsuri komi goshi for a huge ippon. The biggest throw of the day.
The medals were awarded by Mr Obaid AL ANZI, Vice President of the IJF.
Home fighter Shukurjon AMINOVA provided a huge shock in her semi-final, dispatching the current world champion Eteri Liparteliani, ensuring there was home interest in the -57kg final.
There lay another stern test in SHIRAKANE Mio of Japan, AMINOVA showed her power to dominate the final - a first gold for Uzbekistan.
She was awarded the gold by Olympic Council of Asia Vice President, Mr Otabek UMAROV.
A bronze medal from Doston RUZIEV who turned his opponent and held on for the win brought more pride to the home nation, who are eager for more success in the coming days.
Join us tomorrow for the middle-weights!