Judo Baku Grand Slam 2025: Key Athletes and Viewing Information
The Judo Baku Grand Slam 2025 is set to occur from February 14 to 16, showcasing world-class judokas aiming for crucial ranking points for the upcoming World Judo Championships. Key athletes to watch include Abe Uta, Jessica Klimkait, and Elmar Gasimov, along with rising stars like Ayumi Leiva Sanchez. The event, streaming on Judotv.com, will feature multiple weight categories over the three days.
The World Judo Tour is set to reach new heights as elite judokas gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the Judo Baku Grand Slam from February 14 to 16, 2025. This event is particularly significant as athletes continue to aim for world ranking points, which are vital for qualification and seeding at the 2025 World Judo Championships. Following the emotional events from the Paris 2024 Olympics, this competition marks the beginning of a new cycle, highlighting seasoned champions’ returns and emerging talents’ success stories.
Among the competitors, Japan’s Abe Uta, a five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, aims for redemption after her unexpected loss in Paris to Uzbekistan’s Diyora Keldiyorova. Once seen as unbeatable in the -52kg category, Abe’s participation in Baku presents an opportunity to reclaim her title and status in judo. Fans anticipate a fierce comeback performance.
In the -48kg category, Olympic champion Tsunoda Natsumi from Japan, and Sweden’s Tara Babulfath, seeded first and second, may meet again in a crucial rematch following their intense Olympic semi-final showdown. The outcome of this potential rematch could shift the dynamics in their rivalry significantly.
Canadian judoka Jessica Klimkait is competing in the -63kg division, having shifted up a weight class after narrowly missing an Olympic spot at -57kg. The 2021 world champion and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist is eager to prove her worth. The competition in Baku will serve as an initial indicator of her adaptability in this new category.
The men’s -90kg division will feature Republic of Korea’s Kim Jonghoon, who seeks to build upon his striking performance at the Paris Grand Slam. With Olympic silver medalist Murao Sanshiro and bronze medalist Theodoros Tselidis also in the mix, this field presents a challenging test for Kim. A strong performance could solidify his position as an emerging talent in the weight class.
In a thrilling return to competition, Elmar Gasimov, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalist, competes in front of his home audience after being away from the tatami since 2022. At 35 years old, Gasimov aims to once again showcase his experience and strength. His comeback in Baku could potentially mark a significant moment in his storied career.
The fresh Olympic cycle provides an avenue for rising stars like Spain’s Ayumi Leiva Sanchez to make their mark. Having recently earned bronze at the Paris Grand Slam and clinching the U23 European Championship title, she is establishing herself within the sport. Baku will offer her yet another platform for growth and recognition in senior competition.
The Baku Grand Slam’s schedule is as follows:
– February 14: Men’s -60kg, -66kg; Women’s -48kg, -52kg, -57kg
– February 15: Men’s -73kg, -81kg; Women’s -63kg, -70kg
– February 16: Men’s -90kg, -100kg, +100kg; Women’s -78kg, +78kg.
Audiences can watch the entire event streaming on Judotv.com, though they should be mindful of geo-restrictions. A complete list of participating athletes can be found at ijf.org.
The Judo Baku Grand Slam 2025 promises to be an exciting event as top judokas strive for success in a pivotal new Olympic cycle. Highlights will include Abe Uta’s potential comeback, anticipated rematches in the -48kg category, and the strong entries from seasoned competitors and fresh talent alike. With a robust schedule and notable matchups, judo enthusiasts will have much to look forward to during this competition.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
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