By&nbspEuronews&nbspwith&nbspIJF

Published on 12/09/2026 - 8:27 GMT+2

The Judo World Tour returns to Budapest. The Papp Lazlo Arena hosted athletes from across 67 countries for an electric first day of competition here at the Hungary Grand Slam 2026.

At -48Kg Kristina DUDINA was up against Sabina GILIAZOVA. In golden score, it was GILIAZOVA who dominated the technical battle to take gold.

IOC Member, Mr Mustapha BERRAF awarded the medals.

18 year old Izhak ASHPIZ was fighting in his third consecutive -60Kg Grand Slam medal match. A well timed Ura-nage saw the youngster claim his second Grand Slam gold.

He was awarded his medal by President of the Spanish National Olympic Committee, Mr Alejandro BLANCO.

The -52Kg final saw Barbara TWAROWSKA of Poland up against Ayumi LEIVA SANCHEZ of Spain. LEIVA SANCHEZ scored yuko to claim her first Gland Slam gold.

IOC Member Mrs Filomena FORTES awarded the medals.

Boyan YOTOV of Bulgaria looked unstoppable throughout the day and in the -66Kg final there was no slowing down. With a Waza-ari on the board already, YOTOV caught his opponent beautifully scoring Ippon for gold.

The medals were awarded by IOC Member Mrs Petra SÖRLING.

In the -57Kg final, it was 2023 world silver medalist Haruka FUNAKUBO of Japan who struck gold. A clean yuko score quickly followed with dominant ground work secured FUNAKUBO the victory.

Vice President of the International Judo Federation Dr Laszlo TOTH awarded the medals.

The home nation put on a spectacular show throughout the day. Setting the stage for Day 2 of the Grand Slam. We’ll see you tomorrow.