The Tokyo Grand Slam is unlike any other, with the origins of judo rooted in the nation, it is unsurprising that this event brings together some of the best performers in the world, and will conclude the IJF World Judo Tour of 2024.
Though there will be some well-known names from Team Japan, the Tokyo Grand Slam also delivers on young talent, and in 2023 debuted sensational judoka, ARAI Dota in the -100kg category who at the time was only 18 years old. Arai soared in to the final but fell at the final hurdle to the current European Champion, Matvey KANIKOVSKIY (IJF). In 2022, it was a stunning display by Gennaro PIRELLI (ITA) that caught the attention of many, and this year he grabbed it once again in a warriors performance during the Olympic Games in Paris. This is but a mere selection of what is on offer this week, when in fact there will be 286 athletes from 47 nations closing out the year in the home of judo.
Kanikovskiy won’t be the only title holder on site either, Kristina DUDINA (IJF), European Champion in the -48kg category is the #7 seed in Tokyo, in a very European ‘light’ weight. Actually, this event is heavily weighed by those from Asia and even Pan America, however Team Europe are no without some great chances. Leading the -70kg category is World silver medallist, Lara CVJETKO (CRO), also unranked in this category is -70kg World silver medallist from 2019 and -63kg World bronze medallist in 2022, Barbara TIMO (POR). It is yet to be seen if this is a move back to her former category where she found great success, or simply a step back to the tatami.
Also competing for Team Portugal is the Paris Olympic bronze medallist, Patricia SAMPAIO in the -78kg category. Despite her impressive accolade, this week will prove just another day in the office, facing off HAMADA Shori and UMEKI Mami, the leading women for Team Japan.
On the men’s side there are World Champions including Iago ABULADZE (IJF), and more recently, Junior European Champion, Valerio ACCOGLI (ITA). This is the exciting start of a new cycle, where emerging talents will chase down the reigning heroes on the circuit. Besting the Japanese entries in the -73kg category is the current European silver medallist, rising star Danil LAVRENTEV (IJF), but will be dealing with stiff competition in the #2 and #3 spots; World silver medallist ISHIHARA Tatsuki and HASHIMOTO Soichi. The latter needs little introduction however it was a celebration for Hashimoto who was finally able to achieve some Olympic glory, attaining the bronze in Paris. Another IJF representative who is showing great signs of promise is 20 year-old Timur ARBUZOV, this time in the -81kg category, notably he defeated the likes of Matthias CASSE (BEL) in the 2024 World Championships.
In the -90kg category, the current Olympic silver medallist MURAO Sanshiro (JPN) will lead the group, with the likes of Luka MAISURADZE (GEO) attempting a successful comeback for a second time following an early exit in the Rome European Open.
There was potential to see Pirelli in the +100kg category following a win in Rome, however it will be Olympic bronze medallist in the -100kg category, Muzaffarbek TUROBOYEV (UZB) who will challenge the heavyweights this weekend, including former European Champion, Martti PUUMALAINEN (FIN) and Junior World Champion, Denis BATCHAEV (IJF).
The two day event will take place on the 7th and 8th of December, with the live draw taking place at 14:00 local time on Friday 6th. Head to JudoTV.com to keep up with the live action!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen