The heavyweight categories once again proved why they remain among the most spectacular divisions in world judo. In the +100 kg category, Minjong Kim (KOR) emerged victorious after a demanding day, overcoming a field packed with established stars including reigning world champion Inal Tasoev (RUS), who eventually secured a bronze medal after a memorable clash with double Olympic champion Lukáš Krpálek (CZE).
The -100 kg category reflected the depth and unpredictability of modern judo. Several favourites fell along the way, opening the door to new stories. It was Italy’s Gennaro Pirelli (ITA) who seized his opportunity, claiming the biggest victory of his career on the World Judo Tour in a tactical final after a remarkable day of competition.
The -90 kg category provided a reminder of the consistency and class of Sanshiro Murao (JPN). The reigning world champion added another major title to his collection, extending his extraordinary run of success on the World Judo Tour.
The women’s categories offered equally compelling narratives. In the +78 kg event, Japan’s Mao Arai (JPN) took advantage of an unexpected opening in the draw, to defeat one of the sport’s dominant figures, Romane Dicko (FRA), while in the -78 kg category, Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE) concluded a brilliant campaign by stopping the impressive run of veteran Audrey Tcheuméo (FRA), who once again demonstrated that age is no barrier at the highest level.
Beyond the medals and the rankings, the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam highlighted the extraordinary depth of contemporary judo. Olympic champions, world champions, experienced veterans and emerging talent all shared the tatami, proving once again that the road to the Olympic Games will be long, demanding and unpredictable.
With three days of outstanding competition completed, the first event of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification period now comes to a close. The journey, however, has only just begun. The World Judo Tour will move to its next destination fast as the judo family heads to Qingdao, China, where another opportunity to collect valuable points will already be waiting in a few days.