Day two of the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2026 delivered action across the women’s -63 kg and -70 kg, and the men’s -73 kg and -81 kg categories. Europe added another 12 medals to its tally and, although only one gold was secured, the continent’s depth was clear. Austria, in particular, enjoyed a standout day, claiming three medals across the four weight categories.
Despite no European presence in the -63 kg final, as Mongolia swept the top honours, Lubjana Piovesana (AUT) and Louna-Lumia Seikkula (FIN) secured the bronze medals. For the 21-year-old Finnish judoka, it marked her first-ever IJF World Tour podium, achieved from an unseeded position. Ranked #107 before the event, she certainly announced herself on the international stage.
The -73 kg category followed, where Danil Lavrentev (RUS) and Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE) took bronze, standing side by side on the podium. In the final, all eyes were on world number two Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK), competing on home soil with the full backing of the crowd. Opposite him stood Karen Galstian (RUS), who had impressed throughout the preliminary rounds. However, Asadulloev was decisive. Just 30 seconds in, he read Galstian’s uchi-mata attempt perfectly, countering for ippon. The arena erupted, with celebrations echoing far beyond the venue as the home crowd revelled in the moment.
The -70 kg category, traditionally dominated by Europe, remained firmly in European hands in Dushanbe, with a clean sweep of the podium. Bronze medals went to Clémence Eme (FRA) and Irene Pedrotti (ITA). In the final, Aleksandra Kowalewska (POL) faced a formidable challenge against double Olympic medallist Michaela Polleres (AUT). Polleres controlled the early exchanges but Kowalewska steadily grew into the contest.
With 90 seconds remaining, the Polish athlete came close to scoring with a seoi-otoshi, signalling her intent. She continued to press, mixing her attacks effectively. As golden score began, she found her moment, scoring waza-ari with a well-timed ko-uchi-gari. Kowalewska looked stunned, Polleres frustrated but the result was clear: at just 21 years old, Kowalewska claimed her first Grand Slam title in style.
Afterwards, Kowalewska said the following during an interview with the International Judo Federation:
“I still cannot describe my feelings. I came here to show my judo and gain experience, and then I found myself in the final against a very experienced opponent. That didn’t stress me. I stayed calm and that helped me secure my first title. There’s no time to celebrate as I will compete in Astana. I don’t feel pressure to win back-to-back events, but it would be great to return home with two gold medals.”
The men’s -81 kg category rounded off the day. Bronze medals went to two established names, Victor Sterpu (MDA) and Alpha Oumar Djalo (FRA). Austria was once again represented in the final, as Bernd Fasching (AUT) took on Somon Makhmadbekov (TJK), the latter carrying the hopes of the home crowd.
Makhmadbekov made an immediate impact, scoring yuko with a powerful o-soto-otoshi. Fasching pushed relentlessly but struggled to break through. As the clock ticked down, Makhmadbekov’s confidence grew, and at the final buzzer, he raised his arms in triumph, adding another gold to Tajikistan’s impressive home tally.
Austria shone, Europe delivered once more, and day two in Dushanbe drew to a close in style.
The final day in Dushanbe will feature the women’s -78 kg and +78 kg, alongside the men’s -90 kg, -100 kg and +100 kg categories. Watch all the action live on JudoTV.
Source: International Judo Federation
Author: EJU Media