The Guadalajara Grand Prix 2025 kicked off with electrifying action as judo stars from across the globe battled for gold. Highlights included victories for Laborde, Aghayev, Pereira, Pashayev, and Buchard, marking a stunning opening day for the World Judo Tour in Mexico.

Guadalajara

The Guadalajara Judo Grand Prix 2025 saw athletes from around the world compete at Unidad Deportiva López Mateos in Mexico. Notable victories included Somaria Celia Laborde of the USA in the under-48kg category, Balabe Agayev of Azerbaijan in under-60kg, Jessica Pereira of Brazil in under-52kg, Ruslan Pashaev of Azerbaijan in under-66kg, and Amandine Bouchard of France in under-57kg. 

The event featured several first-time Grand Prix gold medalists and back-to-back title wins. Medal presentations were conducted by officials from the Panamerican Judo Confederation, International Judo Federation, and the Mexican Olympic Committee, highlighting the international significance of the competition.

The Guadalajara Grand Prix 2025: Judo Returns to Mexico

Mexico plays host to the Guadalajara Judo Grand Prix 2025. With its rich culture and passion for sport, Mexico provides the ideal stage for this prestigious event. The atmosphere in the Unidad Deportiva López Mateos was electric as athletes from around the world took to the tatami. The under-48 kilograms Somaria Celia Laborde of the USA faced Eva Pérez-Soler of Spain. An early yuko score from Laborde was enough to see her victorious and claim her first Grand Prix gold. Oh, my God, it's amazing. I really didn't expect to get the gold medal. We know we are very happy to represent Latin America, so I'm proud of myself. PJC Honorary President Mr Manuel Larrañaga was on hand to award the medals. In an intense under-60 kilograms final, Balabe Agayev of Azerbaijan, with only 29 seconds left on the clock, found the opening he needed to secure the top spot and claim his first Grand Prix gold. In judo, you can never stop. When you try something new and it works, it's a great feeling, so I will keep adapting. He was awarded his medal by IJF Education and Coaching Director Mr Mohamed Maridja. Just six days after her Lima Grand Prix gold, Jessica Pereira was back in another under-52-kilogram final. A perfectly timed attack sealed her second consecutive Grand Prix title. An outstanding achievement for the Brazilian. She was awarded her medal by IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta. In the under-66-kilogram final, Lukas Saha from Finland was up against Ruslan Pashaev of Azerbaijan, with very little between the two and only seconds into golden score, Pashaev was able to catch his opponent, putting Saha flat on his back and himself on top of the podium. The medals were awarded by Mexico Olympic Committee EC member Ms Samantha Desciderio. The under-57-kilogram category had its second consecutive All-French final. Amandine Bouchard, determined to improve on her silver from Lima, delivered a strong performance, scoring two yukos. So she claimed her second medal of the week, except this time it was gold. Bouchard was awarded her medal by IJF Referee Director Mr Raul Camacho Perez. The home team gave the crowd plenty to cheer for on the opening day of the Grand Prix, delivering impressive techniques and some heart-stopping moments. We can't wait to see what's coming up on day two. We'll see you tomorrow.

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