The 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam kicked off with electrifying judo action. Mongolia’s Ganbaatar Narantsetseg, France’s Luka Mkheidze, and Amandine Buchard shone, but the night belonged to Georgia’s Eteri Liparteliani, who staged a thrilling comeback to secure the host nation’s first gold.
ADVERTISEMENTJudo crazy Georgia hosted the first day of the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam The young fans here got to meet one of their heroes at a book signing with double olympic champion, and national legend, Lasha BEKAURI.
The stadium was brimming with excitement to see one of the most popular sports in Georgia.
At -48kg GANBAATAR Narantsetseg took on Eva PEREZ SOLER, throwing and then pinning her opponent to secure top spot on the podium. She was delighted to take her second Grand Slam gold medal.
IJF Education & Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA was on hand to award the medals
France’s Luka MKHEIDZE battled it out with Michel AUGUSTO of Brazil at -60kg.
After a close contest MKHEIDZE scored with a brilliant counter in golden score The home crowd showed their appreciation for Mkheidze. He was awarded his medals by Georgian National Olympic Committee President, Mr Leri KHABELOV.
At -52kg Amandine BUCHARD faced Gefen PRIMO Making her first appearance back on the world tour since the Paris Olympic games. She wasted no time blasting her way to gold, before a great display of sportsmanship.
She was awarded her medal by IJF Vice President, Dr Laszlo TOTH
At -66kg Abrek Naguchev broke Georgian hearts as he put in an incredible performance to defeat home favourite Temur Nozadze. A contest filled with non-stop action.
The medals were awarded by Georgia Special State Protection Service Head, Mr Anzor CHUBINIDZE.
At -57kg Georgian hopes were pinned on home favourite Eteri LIPARTELIANI. After going behind. Liparteliani showed incredible determination to turn the contest around and claim victory.
She was awarded the gold by 1st Deputy Minister for Sports in Georgia, Mr Irakli MEZMARIASHVILI.
The rest of the Georgian team dazzled the crowds with their usual throwing prowess, always an exciting stop of the IJF World Judo Tour, today’s judo showed why.
Tomorrow is the middle- weights, with some big stars here to fight for gold.