The final day of the 2025 Baku Grand Slam was a spectacle of skill, determination, and international judo excellence. Held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Azerbaijan, the event attracted a vibrant crowd, all eager to see elite judoka compete for top honors. By the end of the day, Japan had claimed an astonishing ten gold medals, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
The competition featured top-tier judoka from across the globe, including Olympic medalists, rising stars, and fierce competitors eager to make their mark on the IJF World Judo Tour. The Baku Grand Slam was not only a significant event for seasoned athletes but also a chance for young judoka, especially those from the Adaptive Judo for Children Project, to step onto the world stage and showcase their talents.
Japan’s Murao, Arai, Takahashi, and Ota Lead the Charge
The spotlight on the final day of the tournament shone brightly on Japan’s Murao Sanshiro, Arai Dota, Ruri Takahashi, and Ota Hyoga. Each of them delivered exceptional performances, proving that Japan’s judo team continues to be a dominant force in the sport.
Murao, an Olympic silver medalist, faced Marcelo Fronckowiak in the -90kg final. The bout was a display of precision and speed. Murao capitalized on an opening early in the match, executing a perfect throw before pinning his opponent for the victory. The crowd erupted in applause as International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius Vizer awarded Murao his gold medal. This win added to Murao’s growing reputation as one of the top judoka in the world.
In the -78kg category, Anna Monta Olek and Alina Boehm of Germany battled it out in a gripping final. The match remained fiercely contested, with both athletes struggling to break the deadlock. However, Olek remained calm under pressure and executed a brilliant foot sweep in the golden score period, securing her victory. The gold medal was presented by Almaz Alsenov, CEO of Harvest Group, who praised Olek’s mental toughness and technical ability.
Arai Dota’s performance in the -100kg category was nothing short of impressive. In a rapid and decisive match, Arai stunned Leonardo Goncalves with a perfectly executed foot sweep, clinching the gold just seven seconds into the bout. This swift victory left little room for Goncalves to counter, and Arai’s quick thinking earned him his first-ever Grand Slam gold. Dr. Zsolt Szöverfi, a member of the IJF Medical Commission, had the honor of presenting Arai with his well-deserved gold medal.
Takahashi and Hyoga Add to Japan’s Gold Haul
The success for Japan didn’t stop there. In the +78kg final, Ruri Takahashi went head-to-head with Hilal Ozturk of Turkey. The match was closely contested, but Takahashi showed incredible composure and skill. After a swift throw, Takahashi transitioned seamlessly into groundwork, securing her first-ever Grand Slam gold. The victory was a testament to Takahashi’s growing skill and determination in the sport. Mehmet Yilmaz, Vice President of the Turkish Judo Federation, presented Takahashi with her gold medal, acknowledging her impressive performance.
At +100kg, Ota Hyoga had to dig deep against the powerful Tamerlan Bashaev. The match was a test of endurance, with both athletes delivering powerful throws and counters. Hyoga’s precise timing proved to be the difference, as he managed to counter Bashaev’s attack for the winning score. The match ended in a display of mutual respect, with both competitors acknowledging each other’s skill and determination. Sergey Soloveychik, President of the Russian Judo Federation, awarded the medals to the athletes, acknowledging the high level of competition in this heavyweight division.
Baku Grand Slam: A Celebration of Judo and Inclusion
Azerbaijan once again hosted a spectacular Grand Slam, drawing judo fans from all over the world. The Baku Grand Slam has become a key stop on the IJF World Judo Tour, with each edition surpassing the last in terms of competition quality and audience engagement. This year’s event was no exception, as the National Gymnastics Arena was packed with enthusiastic fans who cheered on their favorite athletes.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the tournament came when young participants from the Adaptive Judo for Children Project took to the tatami. These athletes demonstrated the power of inclusion in judo, showing that the sport is for everyone, regardless of physical ability. Their performances highlighted the IJF’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse judo community.
As the event came to a close, the success of the athletes from Japan was celebrated, but there was also a sense of unity among all the competitors. The Baku Grand Slam serves as a reminder that judo is not only about individual achievement but also about respect, camaraderie, and the shared love of the sport.
With the 2025 Baku Grand Slam now in the books, the spotlight shifts to future judo competitions, with athletes continuing to prepare for upcoming challenges. The International Judo Federation’s World Judo Tour will continue to showcase top-level judo, and athletes will be looking to build on their performances in Baku. For Japan’s elite judoka, including Murao, Arai, Takahashi, and Hyoga, their success in Baku will serve as motivation as they aim for continued dominance in the sport.
The 2025 event in Baku will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most exciting and memorable tournaments in recent years, and fans are already eagerly awaiting the next edition.
For more coverage on the Baku Grand Slam and other judo news, visit Wealth Magazine.