The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam began with a landmark result as Azerbaijan’s Konul Aliyeva won the country’s first women’s Grand Slam judo title. The opening day of the World Judo Tour also produced victories for Azerbaijan, Croatia, Bahrain and France at Mubadala Arena.
The event follows the World Championships and brings leading judoka back to the international circuit in the United Arab Emirates. Competition continues with a second day of action in Abu Dhabi.
Aliyeva makes history for Azerbaijan
Aliyeva secured the most significant result of the opening session in the women’s under-48kg category. She defeated Türkiye’s Merve Azak in the final to claim Azerbaijan’s first-ever women’s gold medal at a Grand Slam event.
The medal ceremony was presented by International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer, underlining the importance of the achievement for Azerbaijan’s judo programme.
Aghayev delivers expected result in the under-60kg division
Azerbaijan’s Balabay Aghayev lived up to his position as the top seed in the men’s under-60kg category. Facing 18-year-old Loiq Kudbudinov in the final, Aghayev used his speed and technical ability to produce a decisive ippon.
The victory added another major title to Aghayev’s record on the World Judo Tour. The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Vice-President Dr Laszlo Toth.
Topolovec wins first Grand Slam title
Croatia’s Tihea Topolovec claimed her first Grand Slam gold medal in the women’s under-52kg category. She defeated Olympic medallist Amandine Buchard in the final after scoring a waza-ari.
The result marked a breakthrough moment for Topolovec, who converted her opportunity against one of the division’s most experienced competitors. International Olympic Committee member Balazs Fürjes took part in the medal ceremony.
Boqiev produces a major upset
One of the day’s biggest surprises came in the men’s under-66kg final. Bahrain’s Sukhrob Boqiev defeated Iago Abuladze to win gold in his first World Judo Tour final.
Boqiev entered the contest ranked 277th, making the result an especially notable upset. His performance showed the unpredictability of elite judo, where one successful attack can change the course of a final.
The medals were presented by International Judo Federation Vice-President Obaid Al Anzi.
Fawaz adds another Grand Slam title
France’s Martha Fawaz captured her second Grand Slam title in the women’s under-57kg category. She defeated Brazil’s Shirlen Nascimento after scoring two waza-ari.
The first came from an o-soto attack following a weak attempt by Nascimento. Fawaz then completed the final with a driving o-uchi-gari that carried her opponent across the mat.
International Judo Federation Vice-President Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko awarded Fawaz her gold medal.
Home interest and what happens next
The United Arab Emirates also featured strongly during the opening day, with Narmandakh Bayanmunkh producing a notable performance for the host team.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam continues tomorrow with the second day of competition. Further contests will give athletes the opportunity to build on their opening performances and add valuable World Judo Tour results to their records.
The first day established several clear storylines: Aliyeva’s historic achievement, Topolovec’s breakthrough title, Boqiev’s dramatic upset and further success for established names including Aghayev and Fawaz.
Conclusion
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam opened with a mixture of history, breakthrough victories and unexpected results. Aliyeva’s gold is the standout moment after becoming Azerbaijan’s first women’s Grand Slam champion, while the performances of Topolovec and Boqiev demonstrated the depth and competitiveness of the World Judo Tour. Day two will continue the tournament’s programme at Mubadala Arena.