Name: Judo: Spectacular finish on day 3 as heavyweights shine in Abu Dhabi
Uploaded: 2025-12-01T00:56:14.248Z
Duration: 3 min
Description: Day 3 delivered a powerful finale in Abu Dhabi. Lasha Bekauri dominated at -90kg, Anna-Monta Olek defeated Bellandi in a world-final rematch, and Arman Adamian returned to gold after two years. Mukonoki and Batkhuyag added impressive wins to close the 2025 Grand Slam.

Day 3 delivered a powerful finale in Abu Dhabi. Lasha Bekauri dominated at -90kg, Anna-Monta Olek defeated Bellandi in a world-final rematch, and Arman Adamian returned to gold after two years. Mukonoki and Batkhuyag added impressive wins to close the 2025 Grand Slam.

Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo event concluded after three days of intense competition, with heavyweight judokas taking center stage. Notable victories included Lasha Bakhouri in the under-90kg category, Anna Montaolek in under-78kg, Armin Adamian in under-100kg, Miki Mukonoki at plus 78kg, and Gonchixiren Batcoyag at plus 100kg.

Medals were presented by senior officials from the International Judo Federation and event sponsors. The tournament was praised for its organization and atmosphere, with several athletes expressing satisfaction at their achievements and the overall event experience.

Judo: Spectacular finish on day 3 as heavyweights shine in Abu Dhabi

The weekend's judo came to a climactic conclusion in Abu Dhabi, as the mainstay Grand Slam event saw the heavyweights take the stage. In the under-90kgs, double Olympic champion Lasha Bakhouri was back and once again looking almost impossible for anyone in the category to handle. His unique judo ability saw him defeat promising Moldovan youngster Latisev in the final and once again stand atop a podium. Mr. Nasser Al-Tamimi, IJF General Treasurer, awarded the medals. I've never been here, and it was so hard competition, and the guys were so strong. It was a rematch of this year's World Final at minus 78kgs, but Anna Montaolek this time overcame current gold medalist Dr. Lisa Allen, IJF Secretary-General, awarded her the gold medal. I think the tournament is great. The atmosphere is good and also everything around it, from the hotel to the weigh-in, to the weigh-in here, I feel quite comfortable here. I think it's going to be a good competition. I think it's going to be a good competition. I think it's going to be a good competition. I think it's going to be a good competition. I think it's going to be a good competition. I feel quite comfortable here. Won my first Grand Slam medal, my first gold Grand Slam, and now I could repeat it again, so good to Tami for me. In the under-100kg final, former world champion Armin Adamian went down a score early against his teammate Bifov. But the powerhouse judoka showed his class to come back with not one, but two scores and take his first gold medal in two years. A welcome return to form for one of the category's biggest throwers. IJF president Mr Marius Wieser awarded him his long-awaited gold medal. At plus 78kg, Miki Mukonoki executed a textbook uchimata to overcome a significant size difference against China's Xinran Yu. A beautiful throw, showcasing perfect judo principles. The medals were awarded by CBH Bank CEO Mr Simon Benhamou. At plus 100kg, Gonchixiren Batcoyag took on world and Olympic medallist Tamerlan Basayev. Batcoyag held on to a yuko lead to take the last gold medal of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025. IJF vice president Mr Obaid Alanzi awarded the medals. So, after three great days, that's all from Abu Dhabi.

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