This weekend, the Dushanbe Grand Slam will attract the attention of the judo world. The draw took place on Thursday 1st May in the presence of Mr Vladimir Barta, IJF Head Sport Director, Mr Florin Daniel Lascau and Mr Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Head Referee Directors, while the local organisers were represented by Mr Ergash Makhmadbekov, First Vice President of the Tajikistan Judo Federation, Mr Dilshod Nazarov, Vice President of the Tajikistan National Olympic Committee and Mr Erkin Latipov, General Secretary of the Tajikistan Judo Federation.
During his opening speech, Mr Barta said, "Dear members of the Tajikistan Judo Federation, on behalf of the IJF and President Marius Vizer, I would like to thank the President of the Tajikistan Judo Federation Mr Ismoil Mahmadzoir and his team for making this event a platform to celebrate and grow judo worldwide.
It's a typical post-Olympic year when we have a real mix of top, experienced athletes and a younger generation from around the world. They will set the level of the following three days. Let's enjoy this judo experience and all performances celebrating the values of respect and friendship."
Mr Ergash Makhmadbekov then took the floor, "Dear Mr Vladimir Barta, dear judo family, distinguished guests and respected attendees, we warmly welcome you all to this city of peace and youth, Dushanbe, the capital of our beloved country. Today, for the second time, this prestigious tournament within the Judo World Tour, the Dushanbe Grand Slam, is being held here.
It is a great honour for me, on behalf of the president of the Tajikistan Judo Federation, the honourable Ismoil Mahmadzoir, to welcome you all to beautiful, sunny Tajikistan, especially to the flower-adorned city of Dushanbe. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the experts and staff of the International Judo Federation, especially to President Mr Marius Vizer, for their trust in allowing us to host this prestigious tournament.
We are proud that the world's best young judoka are competing here and we hope that the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2025 will be a memorable tournament for both us and you. With utmost sincerity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants of the grand slam and wish them great success and outstanding achievements. Thank You!"
As it was underlined by Mr Barta, the event will feature both experienced judoka and newcomers, both wanting to shine during the weekend. The Tajik athletes will want to perform in front of their public, which has gained the reputation of being particularly enthusiastic when it comes to judo. Within a few years, Tajikistan has proven to be one of the most excited audiences, leaving lasting memories for all participants of the recent grand prix, grand slam and even junior world championships.
Thus, on day one, five categories will be in action. At -60 kg all eyes will be on Quvatov (TJK) who is the top seed of the category. All four Tajik judoka being on one side of the draw, they have a good chance of reaching the final block but against whom? That remains to be answered.
The winner of two grand slams and a junior world championship in 2022, Nurali Emomali (TJK) is among the logical favourites of the second men's division on day 1. His teammate Obid Dzhebov will be the ultimate favourite though. However, surprises may come from other nations as well.
In the women’s groups, at -48 kg we will follow the competition of Abiba Abuzhakynova (KAZ), and that of two Olympic medallists from France, Amandine Buchard at -52 kg and Sarah Léonie Cysique at 57 kg. Will they be able to confirm their top positions? The answer will be known tomorrow.
On day 1 the competition will begin at 11:30, at 12:00 on day 2 and 12:30 on day 3, the final block taking place each day at 17:00 local time. Follow the event live on https://judotv.com