Budapest hosts 2026 Judo Grand Slam with athletes from 67 nations

The Judo World Tour returned to Budapest, with athletes from 67 countries competing at the Papp László Arena for the 2026 Hungary Grand Slam.

In the women's -48kg category, Sabina Giliazova secured gold after a technical battle in golden score against Kristina Dudina. In the -52kg division, Spain's Ayumi Leiva Sanchez claimed her first Grand Slam gold with a yuko score against Poland's Barbara Twarowska. Haruka Funakabo of Japan also took gold in the -57kg category through dominant ground work. In the -66kg category, Bulgaria's Boyan Yotov won gold by scoring an ippon.

In the men's -60kg category, 18-year-old Izhak Ashpiz earned his second Grand Slam gold.

Portuguese athlete Taís Pina finished fifth in the -70kg category after losing the bronze medal match to Austria's Michaela Polleres via ippon. Other Portuguese competitors, including Olympic medalists Patrícia Sampaio and Jorge Fonseca, were scheduled to compete on the final day of the event.