On the final day of the 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam, the atmosphere in Astana was electrifying as heavyweight judokas took center stage, following two days of intense competition that showcased remarkable ippons.
Exciting matches highlight the conclusion
In the -90kg category, seasoned veteran Mikhail IGOLNIKOV, a six-time Grand Slam champion, faced off against newcomer Egor MALKIN. Demonstrating his experience, IGOLNIKOV executed a well-timed change of direction followed by a five-second hold down, securing his victory.
Mr. Mohamed Jamil AL RAMAHI, the CEO of Masdar, was present to award the medals to the competitors.
Thrilling finals across weight categories
The -78kg final was a nail-biter, featuring Minju KIM of Korea against Japan’s Mao IZUMI. The match hinged on a single yuko score, which KIM achieved with a perfectly executed seo-toshi, marking her first Grand Slam gold. Mr. Mohammed MERIDJA, the IJF Education & Coaching Director, had the honor of presenting her medal.
In the -100kg division, top seed Dota ARAI from Japan clashed with Switzerland’s Daniel EICH. The bout was filled with exhilarating exchanges, and ARAI initially took the lead with a waza-ari. Eich quickly responded, but it was ARAI’s decisive uchi-mata that ultimately clinched the gold. Mr. Yerlan AUGANBAYEV, Director of Sport Qory, awarded him his medal.
The +78kg category saw a fierce competition between Hyeonji LEE of Korea and Julia TOLOFUA of France. LEE emerged victorious with a yuko, earning her first Grand Slam gold, as Mr. Michael TAMURA, IJF Sport Director, presented her with the medals.
In the final showdown of the +100kg category, Hyoga OTA from Japan entered his seventh Grand Slam final, going up against local favorite Yerassyl KAZHYBAYEV. OTA impressed the crowd with a flawlessly executed uchi-mata, ultimately securing gold for Japan. The medals were presented by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Yerbol MYRZABOSSYNOV.
The final day concluded with a celebration for the Kazakh team, who were proud to take home bronze medals through Marat BAIKAMUROV and Bakzhan BAITAS in the -100kg category. This tournament was filled with high-impact judo and unforgettable moments.
Looking ahead, the world judo tour will make its next stop in one month for the 2025 World Judo Championships. Fans can look forward to the excitement in Budapest.