Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Returns to Moubadala Arena
The World Judo Tour returned to the Moubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 29, 2026, launching the prestigious Grand Chelem tournament immediately following the conclusion of the world championships, Euronews reported.
Historic Gold for Azerbaijan in Opening Action
In the women’s 48 kg final, Turkey’s Merve Azak faced Azerbaijan’s Konul Aliyeva. Aliyeva claimed a historic victory by securing the very first women’s Grand Chelem gold medal in the history of Azerbaijan. International Judo Federation Marius Vizer presented the medals.
Aghayev Secures Ippon Victory in Men’s 60 kg
In the men’s 60 kg division, top-seeded Azerbaijani judoka Balabay Aghayev faced 18-year-old Loiq Kudbudinov. Living up to his status as the favorite, Aghayev utilized speed and technical mastery to score a spectacular ippon. Dr. Laszlo Toth, vice-president of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.
MERVE AZAK’TAN GÜMÜŞ MADALYA! 🥈🇹🇷Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri’nde düzenlenen Abu Dhabi Grand Slam’de kadınlar 48 kilogramda mücadele eden millî sporcumuz Merve Azak, gümüş madalya kazandı.59 ülkeden 374 sporcunun katıldığı organizasyonda temsilcimiz, finalde Azerbaycanlı Konul… pic.twitter.com/7bbkkUgQbq
“C’est un endroit magnifique. J’étais déjà venu ici. J’y avais remporté une médaille de bronze par le passé, mais aujourd’hui, je suis heureux de remplacer ce bronze par de l’or,” Aghayev said of his return to the venue.
Topolovec Claims Maiden Grand Chelem Title
The women’s 52 kg final featured Olympic medalist Amandine Buchard against Croatia’s Tihea Topolovec. Topolovec scored a clever waza-ari to secure the first Grand Chelem gold medal of her career, with medals presented by Balazs Fürjes, member of the International Olympic Committee.
“Je suis venu plusieurs fois à Abu Dhabi, mais c’est la première fois que j’en repars avec une médaille. Alors, cette ville va désormais faire partie de mes villes préférées,” Topolovec stated after her victory.
Boqiev Defeats Odds in 66 kg Division
In the men’s 66 kg category, Bahrain’s Sukhrob Boqiev contested his first World Judo Tour final against Iago Abuladze. Despite entering ranked 277th in the world, Boqiev upset the expectations to claim the gold medal in a surprise result. International Judo Federation Vice-Obaid Al Anzi presented the awards.
Fawaz Captures Second Grand Chelem Crown
In the women’s 57 kg final, Brazil’s Shirlen Nascimento faced France’s Martha Fawaz. Two waza-ari scores decided the bout, beginning with an opportunistic o-soto following an attack lacking power from Nascimento. A powerful o-uchi-gari across the tatami then sealed the win for Fawaz, earning her a second Grand Chelem title. International Judo Federation Vice-Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko presented the gold medal.
Day Two Schedule
The host team also delivered strong performances during the opening day, notably through Narmandakh Bayanmunkh representing the United Arab Emirates. Competition at the Abu Dhabi Grand Chelem continues with the second day of bouts.
Keep reading
