Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026: Middleweights Shine on Day 2
Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Day Two Delivers Breakthrough Wins in Middleweight Divisions
Poinews.com – The Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam continued at Mubadala Arena with a second day marked by decisive finals, first-time achievements and important early momentum in the Olympic qualification cycle. Middleweight judoka took centre stage as competitors from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas contested medals across four divisions.
After an eventful opening day, the programme again brought together leading international athletes for a series of tightly contested bouts. Day two featured finals at -63kg, -70kg, -73kg and -81kg, with each gold-medal contest producing a different route to victory.
Szymanska Opens Qualification Campaign With -63kg Gold
Poland’s Angelika Szymanska claimed the -63kg title after overcoming Hungary’s Anna Kriza. The final paired Szymanska, who had previously won gold at the Lausanne Grand Slam, with a Hungarian opponent looking to make her mark in Abu Dhabi.
Szymanska’s experience proved significant in the contest. She secured a waza-ari and successfully protected her advantage through the remainder of the bout, sealing the victory and a strong start to the Olympic qualification period.
His Excellency Jabr Al Suwaidi, UAE Minister of State, presented the medals to the -63kg medallists. For Szymanska, the result adds another Grand Slam success to her record while placing her among the early winners of this qualification phase.
Morocco Celebrates Historic -73kg Success
The -73kg final delivered one of the day’s landmark moments as Morocco’s Hassan Doukkali faced Masudi Ahmadzod of Tajikistan. The contest was closely watched not only for the quality of the match-up, but also for the opportunity to create national history.
Doukkali found the opening with an effective feint, moving into position to score yuko. That score proved enough to secure the title and give Morocco its first Grand Slam gold medal.
The result represents a notable achievement for Moroccan judo at this level of competition. Grand Slam events bring together athletes competing for major international honours, and a first gold medal provides a significant moment for the country’s presence on that stage.
His Excellency Ashrafjon Gulov, Ambassador of Tajikistan to the UAE, awarded the medals after the final.
Pina Returns to the Top at -70kg
Portugal’s Tais Pina won the -70kg category after a final against Brazil’s Kaillany Cardoso. Their contest was decided on the ground, where Pina demonstrated control and technical precision at a crucial moment.
Pina turned Cardoso over before securing a pin, earning the victory and her first Grand Slam gold medal in two years. The outcome highlighted the importance of groundwork in judo, where a match can change rapidly once an athlete establishes control on the mat.
For Cardoso, reaching the final underlined her progress through a demanding field. Pina, meanwhile, left Abu Dhabi with a return to Grand Slam-winning form and a valuable result at the beginning of the Olympic qualifying period.
The medals in the -70kg division were awarded by Brian Lewis, former President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee.
Pelivan Earns First Grand Slam Title at -81kg
The final at -81kg produced another first-time Grand Slam champion. Moldova’s Petru Pelivan defeated Finland’s Eetu Ihamaki in a dramatic contest to take the gold medal.
Pelivan’s winning moment came from a well-timed ko uchi gari, which earned a yuko. The score decided the final and gave the Moldovan judoka his first Grand Slam gold medal.
Winning a first Grand Slam title is a defining step for any athlete competing on the international circuit. Pelivan’s success in Abu Dhabi came against a Finnish opponent who had reached the final after navigating the earlier rounds, adding further weight to the achievement.
Victor Florescu, Vice President of the Moldova Judo Federation, presented the medals following the -81kg competition.
Heavyweights Set to Close the Competition
With the middleweight divisions complete, attention now turns to the heavyweight judoka, who will take to the tatami on the final day. The event has already produced important wins for athletes seeking to build momentum in the new Olympic qualification cycle, alongside memorable national and personal milestones.
Day two at Mubadala Arena showed the range of ways a judo final can be won: through a single scoring attack, sustained tactical management, groundwork control or an expertly timed throw. Szymanska, Doukkali, Pina and Pelivan each found their own decisive answer when a Grand Slam title was at stake.
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