Their athletes took Tajikistan to second place on the overall medal table with dynamic, expressive judo. As always in Dushanbe, the judoka were supported by a fully engaged audience who drummed and cheered their way through every round of every day.
The gold medallist on day 3 included Mansur Lorsanov (RUS) at -90 kg and Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE) at -78 kg, both with experience and medal prior to this edition of the Dushanbe Grand Slam. The rest could not have been guessed at the beginning of the day.
Fuchun Huang (CHN) and Jakub Sordyl (POL) and -100 kg and +100 kg respectively, delivered breakout performances to climb to the top of their podia. Asya Tavano (ITA) double her Dushanbe tally after winning in 2024 and at this year’s edition. Each of these performances deserves a nod; these judoka could not have given more.
After a glittering opening ceremony, brilliant judo and an unrivalled atmosphere, Dushanbe can now refocus and get ready to host their first World Judo Masters, in December this year. For now, the World Judo Tour moves across Central Asia to Astana, Kazakhstan, for the last grand slam before the Olympic qualification period begins in June.