It is always satisfying for a host country to be able to see their flag waving above the podium, showing that they don’t just organise well but they participate at a high level too. Even without the majority of their Olympic and world medallists, an array of silverware was still claimed and claimed well. On the final day, Sharipov managed to raise the roof by winning the country’s first and only gold of the tournament. Fittingly, he was presented with his medal by none other than Diyora Keldiyorova and the President of the Uzbek federation.
At this World Judo Tour event we have met new very young stars who could have many years of success ahead of them, such as 19-year-old Kano Miyaki (JPN) or 17-year-old Chihiro Yamaguchi (JPN). We have seen number ones exit very early at the hands of relative unknowns, such as Xinran Niu (CHN, +78 kg), Bekmurodov (UZB, -66 kg), Shakhzodxuja Sharipov (UZB, -90 kg) and Karina Efimova (IJF, -52 kg). These are names to commit to memory as they are likely to perform again, beyond Uzbekistan’s borders.
The OTP Group Tahskent Grand Slam 2025 has now concluded and all eyes are turned to Austria because in only a few days the Upper Austria Grand Prix will raise its curtain to welcome the judo elite back to Europe. An incredible spectacle awaits judo fans around the world, all able to tune in via JudoTV. Big names such as Matthias Casse (BEL), Assunta Scutto (ITA) Distria Krasniqi (KOS) and Francisco Garrigos (ESP) will appear on our screens.
Thank you Tashkent! Austria, here we come!