The final day of the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam featured intense battles in judo’s heavyweight categories, with exciting victories and emotional moments. Emerging champions like Umar Bozorov, Metka Lobnik, and Anton Savytskiy claimed their first Grand Slam golds, while Romane Dicko and Inal Tasoev displayed their dominance. Despite high expectations, Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili fell short, but the host nation still celebrated multiple podium finishes.
Highlights from the Tbilisi Grand Slam Final Day
The arena in Tbilisi was packed with fans, eager to witness judo’s heavyweights in action. The day saw new champions rise, and fans experienced thrilling moments in each final.
Umar Bozorov Triumphs in -90kg Category
Umar Bozorov from Uzbekistan pulled off an impressive comeback in the -90kg final, defeating France’s Mathieu. The unorthodox technique helped Bozorov secure his first-ever Grand Slam gold in what was his debut world tour event.
Metka Lobnik Wins First Grand Slam Gold in -78kg
Slovenia’s Metka Lobnik made a strong impression, defeating Colombia’s Junior World Champion Olaya in the -78kg final. Lobnik’s dominant performance in ne-waza earned her first Grand Slam gold, with the crowd cheering her on throughout the match.
Anton Savytskiy Claims Gold in -100kg
Ukraine’s Anton Savytskiy triumphed over Simeon Catharina in the -100kg final, securing his first-ever Grand Slam gold. After a closely contested battle, Savytskiy scored a decisive hold-down in the golden score period to claim victory.
Romane Dicko Dominates +78kg Division
Olympic medalist Romane Dicko put on an impressive performance in the +78kg category, defeating her opponent with ease to claim another Grand Slam gold. Dicko showcased her expertise and added another title to her growing list of achievements.
Inal Tasoev Edges Guram Tushishvili for +100kg Gold
In the highly anticipated +100kg final, Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili faced off against Inal Tasoev. Despite a strong performance from Tushishvili, it was Tasoev who emerged victorious, securing the gold with a narrow yuko score.
Georgian Judo Celebrates Lukhumi Chkhvimiani’s Retirement
On a poignant note, former World Champion Lukhumi Chkhvimiani retired from competitive judo, marking the end of an era for Georgian judo. The crowd gave him a heartfelt farewell, highlighting Georgia’s deep connection to the sport.
Conclusion
The 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam concluded with a day full of excitement and memorable performances from judo’s heavyweights. With new champions crowned and thrilling victories, the event showcased the future of the sport. Georgia continued to shine as a judo powerhouse, and athletes from around the world displayed their skills on the biggest stage.