Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Latest
Trending
Latest stories
Europe
Categories
Programmes
Featured
World
Categories
Programmes
Featured
EU Policy
Business
Categories
Programmes
Featured
Travel
Categories
Programmes
Next
Categories
Programmes
Featured
Culture
Categories
Programmes
Green
Categories
Programmes
Featured
Health
Categories
Programmes
Euroviews
Videos
More
Special coverage
Partner content
Services
Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Find Us
Flipboard Instagram Linkedin
Advertisement

Tbilisi Welcomes the World Judo Tour in Spectacular Fashion

The gold medal in the under-66kg weight category was won by Nurkanat Serikbayev (KAZ)
The gold medal in the under-66kg weight category was won by Nurkanat Serikbayev (KAZ) -  Copyright  IJF
Copyright IJF
By Euronews with IJF
Published on
Share Comments
Share Close Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copy to clipboard Copied

The World Judo Tour returns to Tbilisi with an exciting opening day. Tugce Beder dominates at -48kg, Izhak Ashpiz claims his first Grand Slam gold, and Blandine Pont shines. Nurkanat Serikbayev snatches victory late, while Timna Nelson Levy secures gold.

Tbilisi, Georgia, an iconic stop on the world judo world tour. The crowd arrived at the Tbilisi Arena for an exciting first day of Judo.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The tournament was officially opened by President of the International Judo Federation Mr Marius VIZER and President of the Georgian Judo Federation Mr Levan NOZADZE.

At -48kg Tugce BEDER of Turkyie was up against Olympic bronze medalist Tara BABULFATH of Sweden in the final. BEDER took the gold with a dominant performance, completing her grand slam medal collection. She was awarded her medal by President of the International Judo Federation Mr Marius VIZER.

At -60kg, 18 year old Izhak ASHPIZ was fighting for his first-ever Grand Slam Gold. Seizing an opportunity, ASHPIZ was able to throw his opponent for a waza-ari score, sealing his victory. He was awarded his medal by President of the Russian Judo Federation Mr Sergey SOLOVEYCHIK.

At -52kg Tatum KEEN of Great Britain met Blandine PONT of France in the final. A beautifully timed counter from PONT and a yuko score saw her on top of the podium.

This is the third time I’ve come here and every time I feel good, in this city, in this place with good public.
Blandine Pont

CEO of Harvest Group, Partner of the International Judo Federation, Mr Almaz ALSENOV awarded the medals.

The -66kg Turan BAYRAMOV of Azerbaijan was up against Nurkanat SERIKBAYEV of Kazahkstan.

With only 13 seconds left on the clock, SERIKBAYEV caught his opponent for a yuko score and gold.

I am very happy. This is my second victory here in Tbilisi, my second gold. Back in 2024, I became champion here in the 60-kilogram category. Now, two years later, I've achieved this success. I am very happy
Nurkanat Serikbaev

The medals were awarded by Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr Yerbol MYRZABOSSYNOV.

At u57kg Timna NELSON LEVY was hoping to take home her second career Grand Slam gold medal, and a text book kosoto-gake did just that.

Chairman of CEDCO Hungary Mr Michael MICHAELY awarded the medals.

With a bronze medal for Tornike GIGAURI at -66Kg the home crowd were left with high enthusiasm for Day 2 here in Tbilisi.

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share Comments

Read more

Heavyweights Shine on Final Day of Tbilisi Grand Slam

Georgian Stars Shine on Day 2 of Tbilisi Grand Slam

Judo Grand Slam: Drama, Glory & Georgian Gold in Tbilisi