Day Two of the Hungary Grand Slam 2026 kicked off in Budapest, and boy, did it not disappoint! The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to cheer on their local heroes. The event officially started with a vibrant opening ceremony, setting the stage for an action-packed day on the tatami. And right from the get-go, it was clear that the middleweights were ready to steal the show!
In the first final of the day, we saw Kaja KAJZER ZABKAR from Slovenia go head-to-head against Japan’s Megu DANNO in the -63Kg category. It was a nail-biter, with both fighters giving it their all. But in the end, it was DANNO who made her mark with a yuko score, earning her a second Grand Slam Gold in just four world tour appearances. You could feel the excitement in the air as Hungary’s State Secretary for Sport, Mr. Attila KÁLNOKI KISS, presented the medals, bringing even more pride to the home crowd.
Next up, in the -73Kg final, Narek VARDANIAN of Sweden faced off against Rashid MAMMADALIYEV from Azerbaijan. And let me tell you, MAMMADALIYEV delivered a stunning Seoi nage that scored Ippon, clinching his very first Grand Slam gold medal! We caught up with him right after the match, and he was still buzzing from the crowd’s cheers. Dr. Lisa ALLAN, Secretary General of the International Judo Federation, awarded the medals, adding a touch of prestige to the moment.
Then we had the incredible Elisavet TELTSIDOU of Greece competing in the -70Kg category. She was on fire throughout the day! Seriously, during the preliminaries, she looked like a force to be reckoned with. Sticking to her game plan in the final, she executed a waza-ari score into a hold down, securing her fifth Grand Slam gold. The Vice President of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Siteny RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO, awarded her the medal, and you could see how much it meant to her.
Finally, in the -81Kg final, Yoshito HOJO from Japan was determined to grab his second Grand Slam gold. The tension was palpable as the fight entered golden score. In a display of technical prowess, HOJO sealed the deal and took home the final gold medal of the day. The crowd roared as Mr. Obaid AL ANZI, also Vice President of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals.
With such thrilling matches and local heroes shining, it’s hard not to feel the excitement for what’s to come tomorrow at Day 3, where the heavyweights will take the stage. Will we see more jaw-dropping moments? Stay tuned!
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber
