Lausanne Hosts Groundbreaking Inclusive Judo Event at 2026 Grand Slam

By Euronews with IJF

Published on 29/08/2026 – 8:39 GMT+2

Welcome back to the IJF World Tour, with Lausanne making its debut as a host city.

Prior to the competition, Olympic judo legends signed the commemorative wall at the IOC headquarters, while IJF President Marius Vizer met with aspiring young athletes at a local masterclass.

Inside the Vaudoise Arena, adaptive judo athletes competed alongside elite judokas on the same tatami for the first time ever.

After their moment in the spotlight, attention shifted to the medal contests.

Marina VoroBeva claimed victory in the -48kg category, securing the win with an arm‑lock in the final.

Sergey Soloveychik, President of the Russian Judo Federation, presented the medals.

Yamato Fukuda of Japan, observed by IJF President Marius Vizer and IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach, executed a powerful ura‑nage to capture his maiden Grand Slam gold.

The medal was presented to him by IOC Member Aïcha Garad Ali.

In a tightly contested -52kg bout, Gefen Primo was deemed the more active combatant, earning her fourth Grand Slam title.

IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach awarded her the medal.

An all‑Japanese showdown in the -66 kg division saw Kairi Kentoku defeat Shinsei Hattori with a stunning uchi‑mata, claiming his first Grand Slam gold.

IOC Member Petra Sörling presented the medals.

In the -57kg final, reigning world champion Eteri Liparteliani of Georgia faced France’s Sarah Leonie Cysique, reclaiming the top spot with her signature hip throw.

The gold medal was handed to her by multiple‑time Olympic judo medallist Klaus Glahn.

Tune in tomorrow for the middle‑weight bouts and further action from the sport’s leading stars.

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