Said Sadrudinov beats Ernazar Sarsenbaev (Photo IJF)
The final day of the Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 delivered power, precision and emotion in equal measure, bringing three days of world class judo in Uzbekistan to a fitting conclusion.
In -90 kg, fans were treated to a compelling final between Lasha Bekauri of Georgia and Murad Fatiyev Azerbaijan.
The gold medal contest promised a compelling clash between Bekauri’s explosive creativity and Fatiyev’s tactical discipline. At the halfway point, only Bekauri had been penalised for passivity. In a confused exchange, Fatiyev seized his opportunity, guiding his opponent to the mat cleverly to score waza-ari.
He extended his lead with an additional yuko, placing the Georgian under real pressure. Bekauri pushed forward relentlessly in the closing stages but Fatiyev managed the contest intelligently and held on to secure the gold medal in a result that surprised many observers.
In the -100 kg, sport at its most dramatic unfolded before the packed stands of the Humo Arena. Said Sadrudinov of Bahrain stunned the home crowd in the final seconds of the gold medal contest, launching a powerful attack to deny local favourite Ernazar Sarsenbaev of Uzbekistan.
As the two finalists stepped onto the tatami, the crowd erupted, chanting “Uz-bek-is-tan” in unison. A first shido against Sarsenbaev did little to quieten the noise. When he scored the opening yuko, the arena exploded with celebration.
Time seemed to slow as the seconds ticked away. Sarsenbaev controlled the exchanges and appeared to be mastering his opponent’s aggression. With only ten seconds remaining, gold seemed within reach. Then, in a dramatic final assault, Sadrudinov launched a powerful o-soto-gari and scored ippon, crushing the home hopes in an instant. It was the first grand slam gold medal for Bahrain ever.
In the women’s +78 kg category, the return of Akira Sone of Japan to the top of the podium was one of the stories of the day.
The Olympic champion defeated Lea Fontaine of France, reclaiming her place among the division’s leading figures.
Sone produced a display of dynamic, mobile judo, using near flawless footwork and sharp technical precision to disrupt Fontaine’s rhythm completely. She moved constantly, creating angles and denying the French athlete any stable base. Eventually, she identified the opening she had been patient to construct.
A well timed o-uchi-gari brought a decisive yuko; it was enough. With control and experience, Sone managed the closing stages to secure another grand slam gold medal, a return to the top that reflects her stature in the sport.
The tournament concluded with the +100 kg heavyweights, where Alisher Yusupov of Uzbekistan carried the hopes of the home nation into the final against Kanan Nasibov Azerbaijan. Yusupov fought with determination and heart, pushing the contest into golden score in front of an electrified crowd. Ultimately Nasibov secured the decisive hold but the ovation inside the arena reflected appreciation for both athletes and for the spirit of the contest itself.
He gave everything, attacked relentlessly and placed his heart on the tatami, determined to deliver gold to his supporters.
Across all categories, Uzbekistan’s athletes delivered strong performances, earning podium finishes and showcasing the depth of a national programme that continues to grow.
The World Judo Tour now moves on swiftly; next stop, Linz, Austria, where another weekend of elite competition awaits with the Upper Austria Grand Prix.
