Lausanne Judo Grand Slam Makes Historic Debut with Focus on Inclusion

Lausanne Grand Slam Opens Historic Judo Competition with Inclusion Focus

Before the opening bouts commenced inside the arena, Olympic judo legends gathered at the International Olympic Committee headquarters to sign a commemorative wall. International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer also visited a local masterclass to meet with prospective future Olympians.

Adaptive Judo Makes Landmark Debut on World Circuit Tatamis

History was made on the competition floor when adaptive judo athletes competed side-by-side on the exact same tatamis as the world’s elite judokas for the very first time, as reported by Euronews.

Vorobeva Claims -48kg Crown as Opening Day Finals Deliver

Competition on the mats brought intense action across multiple weight classes, featuring high-profile medal ceremonies with prominent sports figures. In the women’s -48kg division, Marina Vorobeva captured the gold medal by securing an armlock victory in the final match. Russian Judo Federation President Sergey Soloveychik presented the medals to the division’s podium finishers.

In the men’s category, Japan’s Fukuda Yamato claimed his first-ever Grand Slam gold medal by executing a massive counter-throw using an ura-nage against his opponent. International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer and Honorary IOC President Thomas Bach watched the final closely from the venue, while IOC member Aïcha Garad Ali presented the gold medal to Fukuda.

Primo and Kentoku Secure Thrilling Victories in Lausanne

The -52kg weight class featured a tightly contested battle where Gefen Primo was judged as the more active competitor throughout the bout, earning her a fourth career Grand Slam title. Honorary IOC President Thomas Bach presented the gold medal to Primo following the match.

An all-Japanese final in the -66kg division saw Kairi Kentoku face Shinsei Hattori for the title. Kentoku secured his first-ever Grand Slam championship by executing a spectacular uchi-mata throw. IOC member Petra Sörling presented the medals for the category.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Eteri Liparteliani of Georgia faced France’s Sarah Leonie Cysique in the women’s -57kg final. Liparteliani utilized her signature hip throw to overcome her opponent and return to the top step of the podium. Multiple Olympic judo medalist Klaus Glahn presented the gold medal to the Georgian champion.

What Comes Next at the Lausanne Grand Slam

Competition at the Vaudoise Arena continues tomorrow with the middleweight categories and additional star-studded brackets on the International Judo Federation World Circuit.