Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026: Middleweights Shine on Day 2
Day 2 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam delivered thrilling judo! Angelika Szymanska, Hassan Doukkali, Tais Pina and Petru Pelivan claimed gold, with historic first Grand Slam titles for Morocco and Moldova.
On the second day of the Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam, the Mubadala Arena was filled with top athletes delivering unforgettable showdowns. In the -63kg category, Hungary's Anna KRIZA faced off against Poland's Grand Slam gold medalist Angelika SZYMANSKA. SZYMANSKA's experience gave her the edge, as she scored waza ari and secured a win. The victory marked a strong start to the Olympic qualification period for the Polish judoka. UAE Minister of State Jabr Al SUWAIDI presented the medals.
At the -73kg weight class, a thrilling final unfolded. Tajikistan's Masudi AHMADZOD took on Morocco's Hassan DOUKKALI. DOUKKALI's brilliant feint put him in the perfect position to score yuko and claim history by becoming the first Moroccan judoka to win a Grand Slam gold. His Excellency Ashrafjon GULOV, Ambassador of Tajikistan to the UAE, awarded the medals.
In the -70kg category, Brazil's Kaillany CARDOSO faced Portugal's Tais PINA. PINA's excellent groundwork and skill turned the tables, pinning her opponent and earning her the first Grand Slam gold of her career in two years. Former Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee President Brian LEWIS awarded the medals.
The dramatic -81kg final saw Finland's Eetu IHANAMAKI go head-to-head against Moldova's Petru PELIVAN. PELIVAN's clever ko uchi gari technique secured the win with a yuko, marking his first ever Grand Slam gold. Moldova Judo Federation Vice President Victor FLORESCU presented the medals.
As the competition continues, the spotlight turns to the heavyweights as they take to the mat.
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