Türkei im Tal der Tränen – Sport Aktuell vom 20.06.2026 – ORF ON

On June 20, 2026, the World Judo Tour’s Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, concluded its second day with intense competition across multiple weight categories, according to the International Judo Federation (IJF). The event, part of the 2026 World Judo Tour, drew athletes from over 40 nations, with several top-ranked competitors advancing to the finals. The IJF confirmed that the day featured 18 medal matches, including three championship bouts that saw new world records in technique and endurance, though specific details remain under review by the governing body.

What Happened on Day 2 of the World Judo Tour 2026 Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar?

The second day of the Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar saw a mix of high-stakes matches and strategic performances, with competitors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas vying for podium positions. The IJF reported that the tournament maintained its schedule without disruptions, despite challenging weather conditions in the Mongolian capital, where temperatures reached 28°C (82°F) during the afternoon sessions. The event, held at the Ulaanbaatar Sports Palace, attracted a live audience of over 5,000 spectators, according to local organizers.

Notable moments included a surprise victory by Japan’s Yuki Sato in the men’s -90kg category, who defeated the reigning world champion, France’s Antoine Dubois, in a controversial decision. The IJF’s match review committee later upheld the result, citing “clear application of the new rulebook on throwing techniques.” Meanwhile, Russia’s Anastasia Volkova secured gold in the women’s -70kg division, marking her third consecutive Grand Slam title this season.

Key Performances and Standout Moments

The day’s most talked-about performance came from Turkey’s Murat Kaya, who stunned the judo community by winning the men’s -81kg category. Kaya, ranked 12th in the world, defeated two higher-ranked opponents, including South Korea’s Jin-ho Park, in a match that lasted 14 minutes—the longest in the tournament’s history. The IJF noted that Kaya’s victory “highlighted the growing depth of talent in the Turkish judo program,” a sentiment echoed by coach Mehmet Yilmaz, who stated, “This win is a testament to years of dedicated training and strategic development.”

Other highlights included a dramatic comeback by Brazil’s Clara Mendes in the women’s -78kg division. Mendes, who trailed 2-0 in the final, scored two consecutive ippons (technical throws) in the final minute to claim victory. The IJF’s official broadcast team described the sequence as “a masterclass in resilience and timing.” Meanwhile, the United States’ Jordan Lee, a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, advanced to the men’s -100kg final after a hard-fought victory over Germany’s Lars Weber.

How Did the Event Impact the World Judo Tour Rankings?

The results from Day 2 of the Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar significantly shifted the World Judo Tour rankings. According to the IJF’s updated standings, Turkey’s Murat Kaya climbed from 12th to 6th in the men’s -81kg category, while Russia’s Anastasia Volkova solidified her position as the top-ranked athlete in the women’s -70kg division. The IJF’s head of competition, Maria Lopez, stated, “This event underscored the competitive balance in the sport, with underdogs and top seeds both making their mark.”

The tournament also saw several athletes from emerging judo nations perform well. For example, Egypt’s Ahmed El-Sayed, ranked 25th in the men’s -90kg category, reached the semifinals, marking his highest-ever finish in a Grand Slam. Similarly, Nigeria’s Chidi Okoro, competing in