By Euronews with IJF
Published on
On the final day of the 2026 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam, the heavyweights took centre stage in Astana. We’ve had two days of non-stop action. And the crowd has created an electric atmosphere.
At -90kg, Guilherme SCHIMIDT of Brazil, took on Boris RUTOVIC of Serbia.
With 20 seconds left RUTOVIC scored the only yuko of the contest, the 19 year old securing a gold medal in only his second grand slam.
International Judo Federation Head Referee Director, Mr Armen BAGDASAROV was on hand to award the medals.
At -78kg German compatriots Anna Monta OLEK and Alina BOEHM went head-to-head.
With OLEK just edging it in the end, beating her fellow German on penalties.
She was awarded her medal by International Judo Federation Education & Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA.
At -100kg, Kazakhstan’s Marat BAIKAMUROV took on Moldova’s Vadim GHIMBOVSCHI.
To the joy of the fans, BAIKAMUROV opened up with an early yuko, and after taking everything that the Moldovan could throw at him, secured gold in front of his home crowd.
He was awarded his medal by Olympic Silver Medallist, Dr Askhat ZHITKEYEV
At +78kg, Kazakhstan’s Kamila BERLIKASH faced Elis STARTSEVA.
An arm lock for ippon helped STARTSEVA claim her first grand slam gold medal.
The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Referee Director, Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ.
In the +100kg top seed Inal TASOEV took on Ushangi KOKAURI.
A yuko score was enough for World Champion TASOEV to claim his 11th Grand Slam Gold medal.
The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Head Sport Director, Mr Vladimir BARTA.
A successful final day for Kazakhstan, in which they secured 4 medals, taking them to 3rd place in the medal table.
It’s been three days of non-stop drama, explosive judo, and moments that will live long in the memory. The world tour will return in one month’s time in Ulaanbaatar, we’ll see you in Mongolia.