29 January 2025

BIG NAMES OUTWEIGH LOW NUMBERS

Paris Grand Slam 2025

BIG NAMES OUTWEIGH LOW NUMBERS

Looking only at the number of entries, the Paris Grand Slam isn’t teaming with athletes like you’d usually expect, however it is the first Paris event since the monumental Olympic Games were held there only six months ago. Many of the top superstars might not be in attendance, but there are enough big names to make you want to head straight to JudoTV!

As it is the first year succeeding the Olympic Games, expect to see a host of new talent feeding through from cadet and junior teams around the world, looking to make their mark in the prestigious Grand Slam, and perhaps even beginning their IJF World Tour. A win here could lay the groundwork for the next Olympiad.

Immediately jumping off the entry list is Inal TASOEV (IJF), and although we won’t get our anticipated head to head with Teddy RINER as he is recovering from surgery following the European Club Championships – Champions League, where Paris Saint Germain were the victors. Riner was able to sport his golden back patch as the current Olympic Champion, but many will wonder what could have happened is Tasoev has been there. Nevertheless, we look forward to seeing him back in action in front of one of the greatest crowds on the IJF World Judo Tour.

Manuel LOMBARDO (ITA) © Gabi Juan

The Bercy Arena seems to hold great luck for some who medal year after year, but it has others in a vice grip. Manuel LOMBARDO (ITA) is one of the most entertaining and dynamic judoka on the tour, yet the Paris Grand Slam medal eludes him. An interview a year ago had him explaining his need to change the tides and finally find glory in the French capital, but again, it was a shocking first round exit for the -73kg athlete. In 2025 he will be the top seed, ranked #2 in the world right now, but has the likes of Olympic Champion, Lasha SHAVDATUASHVILI (GEO), European Champion, Akil GJAKOVA (KOS) and Makhmadbek MAKHMADBEKOV (UAE) also chasing down that Paris gold.

Paris Grand Slam 2024 gold medallist, Matthias CASSE (BEL) © Gabi Juan

Two-time World Champion and Olympic medallist, Matthias CASSE (BEL) is returning to the stage in the -81kg category, a much needed rest was well earned following the past Olympic period and he will endeavour to impress, taking third title in Paris, as well as defending the title. Another big fan of the Bercy Arena is Michael KORREL (NED), who would undoubtedly like to obtain a hat-trick with the roaring crowd behind him, but as always in the -100kg category, there is a strong defence. Even outwith the ranked athletes, Ivan Felipe SILVA MORALES (CUB) has bound out of the -90kg category to test the waters. However staple athletes will include the ultimate entertainer, Jorge FONSECA (POR), ultimate strength, Arman ADAMIAN (IJF) and ultimate ne waza specialist, Leonardo GONCALVES (BRA) in the top four behind Korrel.

European Champion 2024, Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO) © Emanuele Di Feliciantonio

In the lighter weight category, current -66kg European Champion, Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO) is looking for that gold medal in Paris, taking second and third place is accomplishment enough, but with his impressive track record of recent, gold can’t be far out of reach.

Judoka

Author: Thea Cowen