Winning the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 last May launched her campaign without difficulty, but the challenge became much greater in the quarter-final against the powerful Lubjana Piovesana (AUT). Unimpressed by the atmosphere and the pressure, Piovesana remained patient and eventually scored waza-ari during golden score to eliminate the Mongolian favourite.
Piovesana still had to overcome the obstacle of the semi-final, where she faced 2024 world champion Joanne Van Lieshout (NED). This time, the Austrian could not maintain her impressive winning streak, as Van Lieshout demonstrated her class by scoring ippon and securing another grand slam final appearance.
With the world number one out of contention, attention turned to the world number two, Haruka Kaju (JPN), who booked her place in the final after a series of commanding performances to come through the preliminary rounds.
The final therefore brought together Joanne Van Lieshout and Haruka Kaju, two of the leading figures in the category. The contest remained perfectly balanced for a long time, until both athletes moved into ne-waza, an area in which Japanese judoka traditionally excel. Van Lieshout came close to being caught in Kaju’s carefully prepared trap. Although she resisted both on the ground and standing, the Dutch athlete gradually found herself under pressure and was unable to take control of the contest. Two penalties increased the pressure on her and with less than twenty seconds remaining, a third shido was logically awarded, giving Haruka Kaju the gold medal, the fourth grand slam title of her career and Japan’s fifth gold medal in Mongolia.
After her final, Haruka Kanu said, "Today, I was glad to showcase the standing techniques I’ve been practising, rather than just relying on ground work. Looking ahead, the road to the Los Angeles Olympics is long. I intend to take it one tournament at a time, focusing first on winning the world championships this year. In the final, my opponent had a very strong defence system and although I maintained a solid performance, I couldn't completely finish the match with ne-waza. This gives me a clear area to improve moving forward.
Regarding my undefeated streak, I don't know the secret myself. I am simply grateful to everyone around me; my team ensures I step onto the tatami in perfect condition and then my job is to express that support through my performance. Competing in Mongolia has been a joy. Judo is incredibly popular here and even though I wasn't the local athlete, the crowd cheered warmly and gave me a wonderful reception."
Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) still had the opportunity to collect a medal for the Mongolian supporters as she faced Dali Liluashvili (RUS) in the first bronze medal contest. Unfortunately for the home judoka and the local crowd, the outcome was not the one they had hoped for. After a tense and very closely contested match, Lkhagvatogoo received a third shido during golden score, handing victory and the bronze medal to Liluashvili.
The second bronze medal contest featured Sara-Joy Bauer (GER) and Lubjana Piovesana (AUT), with both judoka aiming to finish their day on the podium. The contest offered throws, ne-waza exchanges and hold-down attempts, and it was Piovesana who prevailed after scoring waza-ari on the ground to secure the bronze medal.
Final (-63 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)
