Judo: Middleweights light up Day Two of the Hungary Grand Slam

Day two in Budapest delivered four thrilling champions. Megu Danno claimed Japan’s second gold, Rashid Mammadaliyev earned his first Grand Slam title, Elisavet Teltsidou celebrated her fifth, while Yoshito Hojo secured another gold for Japan. Welcome back to Budapest for Day Two of the Hungary Grand Slam 2026. An opening ceremony officially marked the start of the event., with speeches from: - Secretary General of the International Judo Federation, Dr Lisa Allan, - State Secretary responsible for Sport, Attila Kálnoki-Kiss and, - President of the Hungarian Judo Association, Krisztián Tóth. Day two brought fans closer to their local heroes, before attention turned to the tatami for another thrilling day of judo. At -63Kg, Kaja KAJZER ZABKAR of Slovenia fought Megu DANNO of Japan in the first final of the day. In a close battle, a yuko score from DANNO gave her a 2nd Grand Slam Gold from just 4 world tour appearances. State Secretary for Sport of Hungary, Mr Attila KÁLNOKI KISS awarded the medals. At -73Kg, Narek VARDANIAN of Sweden met Rashid MAMMADALIYEV of Azerbaijan in the final. A beautifully timed Seoi nage from MAMMADALIYEV, scored Ippon, and secured his first Grand Slam gold. We asked him about the response from the crowd following his victory. His medal was awarded by Dr Lisa ALLAN, Secretary General of the International Judo Federation. At -70Kg, Elisavet TELTSIDOU of Greece was on incredible form throughout the day. During the preliminaries, she looked unstoppable. And in the final she stuck to the game plan. A waza-ari score into a hold down secured her 5th Grand Slam gold. Vice President of the International Judo Federation, Mr Siteny RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO awarded the medals. In the -81Kg final, Yoshito HOJO of Japan was looking to secure his 2nd Grand Slam gold. With the fight entering golden score, a technical performance from HOJO secured him the final gold medal of the day. The medals were awarded by Vice President of the International Judo Federation, Mr Obaid AL ANZI. We’ll see you tomorrow for Day 3 and the Heavyweights.