By Euronews with IJF
Published on
12/09/2026 – 8:27 GMT+2
The Judo World Tour made its return to Budapest as the Papp Lazlo Arena welcomed competitors from 67 nations for a thrilling opening day of the Hungary Grand Slam 2026.
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In the -48Kg division, Sabina GILIAZOVA overcame Kristina DUDINA in golden score, dominating the technical contest to claim the gold medal.
The medals were presented by IOC Member Mr Mustapha BERRAF.
Eighteen-year-old Izhak ASHPIZ competed in his third consecutive Grand Slam medal match at -60Kg, and a perfectly executed Ura-nage earned the young judoka his second Grand Slam gold. He was honoured with his medal by Mr Alejandro BLANCO, President of the Spanish National Olympic Committee.
The -52Kg final saw Poland’s Barbara TWAROWSKA face Spain’s Ayumi LEIVA SANCHEZ, who scored yuko to secure her first Grand Slam gold. IOC Member Mrs Filomena FORTES presented the medals.
Boyan YOTOV of Bulgaria was utterly dominant throughout the -66Kg category, adding a textbook Ippon to his already-earned Waza-ari to take gold. The medals were awarded by IOC Member Mrs Petra SÖRLING.
In the -57Kg final, Japan’s Haruka FUNAKUBO, the 2023 world silver medalist, claimed victory with a clean yuko followed by commanding ground work. Dr Laszlo TOTH, Vice President of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.
The home crowd was treated to a spectacular showcase throughout the day, setting the stage for Day 2 of the Grand Slam.
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