Day 2 of the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2026 brought more joy for the home crowd, with Muhiddin Asadulloev and Somon Makhmadbekov both taking gold. Gankhaich Bold and Aleksandra Kowalewska also topped the podium in a packed and vibrant arena.
On day 2 of the judo grand slam in Tajikistan, the arena was once again full to the brim with keen fans waiting to witness more world class judo.
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The event was declared open by President of the Tajikistan Judo Federation, Mr. Ismoil Mahmadzoir. While Ms Louisa AGIUS GALEA International Judo Federation Logistics Director, also welcomed the Judo Family to Dushanbe.
A spectacular cultural performance followed consisting of traditional song and dance.
On the tatami, it was an all Mongolian affair in the final of -63 kg between Gankhaich BOLD and Enkhriilen LKHAGVATOGOO.
With the contest heading into golden score, one false attack too many from LKHAGVATOGOO meant victory was BOLDs.
Tajikistan Labour, Migration and Employment Minister, Ms Soleha KHOLMAHMADZODA was on hand to award the medals.
In the -73kg final rising Tajik star Muhiddin ASADULLOEV lived up to his number one seeding, facing Karen GALSTIAN in the final he countered early on for an ippon that sent the fans wild.
Already a second gold medal of the event for the home nation.
He was awarded his medal by Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR, Tajikistan Judo Federation President.
At -70kg, Michaela POLLERES took on Aleksandra KOWALEWSKA.
A brilliant reaching ko-uchi-gari from the young Polish athlete stunned Polleres, and earned her a first Grand Slam gold.
She was awarded her medal by IJF Referee Director, Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ.
The last fight of the day had the crowd on their feet!
Olympic bronze medalist Somon MAKHMADBEKOV faced Austria’s Bernd FASCHING.
An early yuko from the Tajik athlete was enough to earn him -81kg gold!
The medals were awarded by Dushanbe First Deputy Mayor, Mr Bakhtiyor SHARIFI.
It was another amazing day for Tajikistan… whose athletes once again showed their skills!
The final day tomorrow sees the heavyweights take to the tatami, don’t miss it!