Judo Grand Slam 2025: Golden Finale in Astana

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Judo Grand Slam 2025: Golden Finale in Astana  The final day of the 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam delivered thrilling heavyweight action and first-time champions. Japan, Korea, and Kazakhstan all shone in a celebration of skill, strength, and sportsmanship. Next stop: the World Judo Championships in Budapest!  READ MORE : http://www.euronews.com/2025/05/11/judo-grand-slam-2025-golden-finale-in-astana  Subscribe to our channel. Euronews is available on Dailymotion in 12 languages

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00:00On the third and final day of the 2025 Kazakhstan-Barisi Grand Slam, the heavyweights stepped up,

00:06following two days of non-stop action and breathtaking ip-ons, and they didn't disappoint here in Astana.

00:13At under 90kg, six-time Grand Slam winner Mikhail Igolnikov was up against newcomer Igor Malkin.

00:20A well-timed change of direction and a five-second hold-down secured victory for Igolnikov.

00:26Mazda CEO Mr. Mohamed Jamil Al-Ramahi was on hand to award the medals.

00:32In the under 78kg, Minju Kim of Korea met Mao Izumi in a tense final.

00:38Only a single yuko score would decide the winner, with Kim landing a siatoshi to give her her first Grand Slam gold.

00:46She was awarded her medal by IJF Education and Coaching Director Mr. Mohamed Maridja.

00:50At under 100kg, top seed Dota Arai of Japan was up against Daniel Eich of Switzerland in the fight for first place.

01:00Arai went ahead, scoring wasari, to which Eich quickly responded.

01:04But it was a decisive uchimata from Arai that earned him the gold.

01:13An incredible display of judo talent and sportsmanship.

01:18He was awarded his medal by Sport Kori Director Mr. Yerlan Algenbayev.

01:22Judo is so popular in Kazakhstan and overseas, I sometimes don't even know how to respond to the passionate crowds cheering.

01:33But the most important thing is having a strong will to beat your opponent.

01:38Without this, I couldn't win the gold.

01:40At plus 78kg, Hyunji Lee of Korea met Julia Tolofura of France.

01:47It was a closely fought contest, with Lee scoring a yuko to take her first Grand Slam gold.

01:53The medals were awarded by IJF Sport Director Mr. Michael Tamura.

01:57I really like the atmosphere. I prefer a noisy competition venue. It felt like they were cheering for me.

02:07In the plus 100kg, Hyoga Ota of Japan made it to his seventh Grand Slam final.

02:13He was competing against home favourite Yerasil Kashbayev.

02:17Ota silenced the home crowd, with a perfectly executed uchimata. Gold for Japan.

02:23The medals were awarded by Kazakhstan Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Yerbol Mirzabosinov.

02:30On this, the last day of competition, the Kazakh team had plenty to celebrate,

02:35with bronze medals for Marat Baikamurov

02:37and Bakshan Baitas in the minus 100kg category.

02:44It's been a tournament filled with high-impact judo and unforgettable moments.

02:48The World Tour will return in one month's time for the 2025 World Judo Championships.

02:55We'll see you in Budapest.

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