Tbilisi, Georgia – French judoka Blandine Pont secured a dominant victory at the 2026 Tbilisi Grand Slam this weekend, winning gold in the -52kg category. The triumph comes just a month before the European Championships, also to be held in the Georgian capital, and marks a significant milestone for the athlete as she competes in a new weight class.
Pont, representing Castelnau-le-Lez, France, displayed a focused and determined performance throughout the tournament. Her win is particularly notable as it’s her first Grand Slam victory since a successful run in 2023, where she claimed gold in Paris, Tel-Aviv, and Antalya. The athlete transitioned to the -52kg division in 2024 after narrowly missing Olympic qualification in the -48kg category, and this victory demonstrates her successful adaptation to the new weight class.
The 27-year-old judoka received a bye in the first round. She then efficiently dispatched local favorite Nino Tatrishvili, 19, and followed that with a win over her friend, Sofia Asvesta of Cyprus, 25. In the semi-final, Pont overcame Gabriela Dimitrova of Bulgaria, setting the stage for a compelling final match. “I was in a good place today, I felt good, I wanted it,” Pont said after her semi-final victory. “I did my job from start to finish, staying very focused.”
A “Crunch” Victory for Pont
The final pitted Pont against Great Britain’s Tatum Keen, 23, who had previously defeated France’s Pauline Cuq. According to Pont, Keen presented a challenging opponent. “In the final, I faced an opponent I’d fought before; she had a tricky style. I needed to be even more precise and uncompromising.” In a playful nod to the ongoing Six Nations rugby tournament, Pont described her win as having “won the crunch of judo,” referencing the intense rivalry between France and England in rugby.
Wearing a blue kimono, Pont ascended the podium to receive her gold medal, a moment of immense pride and accomplishment. The timing of this victory is particularly advantageous as the French team selectors are expected to announce the squad for the European Championships in the coming days. Pont is hoping to return to Tbilisi next month to compete for another title on Georgian soil.
The Tbilisi Grand Slam, held at the Olympic Sports Palace from March 20th to 22nd, featured 386 judoka from 51 nations, according to the International Judo Federation. The event is a key stop on the World Judo Tour, providing valuable ranking points and serving as a crucial preparation opportunity for athletes aiming for the European Championships and beyond.
The tournament saw several other notable performances on the opening day. Tugce Beder of Turkey dominated the -48kg category, while Izhak Ashpiz of Israel claimed his first Grand Slam gold at -60kg. Blandine Pont’s victory adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming European Championships, promising a thrilling competition in Tbilisi next month.
For judo fans, the Tbilisi Grand Slam provides a glimpse into the form of top athletes as they prepare for major championships. The event’s atmosphere, fueled by the passionate Georgian fans, creates a unique and intense environment for competition. The success of athletes like Blandine Pont underscores the dedication and skill required to excel at the highest level of the sport.
The European Judo Championships, scheduled for April 16th to 19th in Tbilisi, will undoubtedly build on the momentum generated by the Grand Slam. Fans can expect fierce competition and compelling storylines as athletes vie for continental titles and Olympic qualification points. The city of Tbilisi is quickly establishing itself as a hub for international judo, and the upcoming championships are poised to be a landmark event for the sport.
Blandine Pont’s journey to the top of the -52kg division is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. After facing disappointment in her pursuit of Olympic qualification in the -48kg category, she has successfully transitioned to a new weight class and is now a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Her victory in Tbilisi serves as a powerful statement of intent as she sets her sights on the European Championships.
The French Judo Federation will announce its team for the European Championships in the coming days. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the official roster to see if Blandine Pont’s impressive performance in Tbilisi has secured her a spot on the team. The anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting and competitive event in the Georgian capital.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Blandine Pont is the announcement of the French team for the European Championships. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the team selection and coverage of the European Championships in Tbilisi, starting April 16th.
What did you think of Blandine Pont’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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