Day two of the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 saw gold medals claimed by four different nations. Tanioka dominated at -63kg, Abdulloi stunned the home crowd at -73kg, Butkereit impressed in -70kg, and Rajabli secured his first Grand Slam gold at -81kg in front of a passionate Uzbek audience.
It’s day two of this year's OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam, with the Humo Arena playing host to world class action.
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But first, there was an opening ceremony consisting of traditional UZBEK DANCE and culture and an appearance from Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova, an inspiration to many young Uzbek’s.
President of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Marius Vizer declared the event open.
Whilst Dr. Adkham Ikramov, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan also spoke to the crowd in attendance.
Mr. Marius Vizer, and Mr. Andrei Golban, President of the Moldovan Judo Federation also signed the HOSTING AGREEMENT for CHISINAU, MOLDOVA to host the 2027 World Championships Cadets.
Meanwhile, on the tatami…
At -63 kg, TANIOKA Narumi of Japan showed dominance as she overcame the vastly experienced Catherine BEAUCHEMIN-PINARD, pinning her for ippon.
Mr Marius VIZER, International Judo Federation President was once again on hand to award the medals.
At -73kg home favourite Shakhram AHADOV had made it to the final.
There he faced unknown Tajik fighter Orif ABDULLOI, who silenced the raucous home crowd in golden score, countering AHADOV for the victory… and his first gold medal.
He was awarded his medal by Mr Otabek UMAROV, Olympic Council of Asia Vice President.
At -70kg, Miriam BUTKEREIT showed superb skill in groundwork to hold down French rising star Melkia AUCHECORNE.
She was awarded her medal by International Judo Federation Ambassador, Mr Daniel GYURTA.
At -81 kg Omar RAJABLI continued the ne-waza theme winning his first grand slam gold with a hold down of his own!
The medals were awarded by Uzbekistan Sports Minister, Dr Adkham IKRAMOV.
It was another spectacular display from the local team, with the Uzbek athletes doing the home crowd proud and showing a wonderful variety of Judo!
With one more day to go, we now move to the heavyweights! We’ll see you tomorrow.