TBILISI, March 19, 2024 - In the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia, anticipation mounts as the IJF World Judo Tour returns to one of the sport's venerable strongholds. Following the second edition of the Grand Prix Upper Austria, the spotlight now shifts to the historic city of Tbilisi, where 549 judokas from an impressive 83 nations are poised to compete. For the Georgian national team, this tournament represents not just a chance to claim medals, but an opportunity to carve out their place in the annals of judo history.
RICH HISTORY It is the fourth edition of the Grand Slam and before that six editions of the Grand Prix but the tournament has a history since the late eighties organizing the World Cup with so many great winners. Renowned names such as Zurab Zviadauri who won the tournament four times, or recordholders Iveri Jikurauli and Adam Okruashvili who won even five times. And from other countries than Georgia, Odette Giuffrida, the only triple female winner. The tournament history drowns with familiar Georgian heroes: the late Khakhaleishvili, Tsirekidze, Bekauri, Khaibulaev and lots of female Olympic champions such as Lasha Shavdatuashvili, Agbegnenou, Trstenjak, Harrison, Silva, Krasniqi, Gjakova and many more have won in the Georgian capital. Tiny Italian Giuffrida won twice in an Olympic year and won an Olympic medal not much later, but this time she won’t compete.
FORMIDABLE CONTENDERS Despite the notable absence of key figures in this edition like Tato Grigalashvili, Ilia Sulamanidze, and Varlam Liparteliani, the Georgian contingent remains formidable. Among the notable contenders preparing to shine on home turf is Giorgi Sardalashvili, a standout in the -60kg category, alongside Olympic silver medalist Vazha Margvelashvili and rising star Tengo Zirakashvili in the -66kg division. Lasha Shavdatuashvili, a trailblazer in Georgian judo history with his European, World, and Olympic titles, aims to continue his legacy, presenting a platform for emerging talents like Giorgi Chikhelidze to make their mark.
In the absence of Grigalashvili, Dimitri Gochilaidze and Zaur Dvalashvili emerge as formidable contenders, having showcased their prowess in previous tournaments. Vladimir Akhalkatsi, a relatively understated presence on the circuit, boasts an impressive track record, including a Junior World Champion title. Kote Kapanadze adds further depth to the Georgian lineup, poised to leave his mark in the -73kg category.
RETURN OF A CHAMPION The return of Olympic Champion Lasha Bekauri in the -90kg division is eagerly awaited, adding further excitement to an already competitive field. Noteworthy competitors like Giorgi Jabniashvili and Anri Egutidze, representing Portugal, add further intrigue to the tournament. Double World Champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili brings his formidable skills to the -100kg category, while Onise Saneblidze seeks to reclaim his podium position after a brief hiatus.
Despite the absence of three-time title holder Gela Zaalishvili, the heavyweight division promises gripping action, with Olympic silver medalist Guram Tushishvili leading the charge. Rising stars like Saba Inaneishvili and Irakli Demetrashvili add further depth to an already stacked field, promising a spectacle reminiscent of a major championship.
This Grand Slam will give place to new champions and perhaps one of them will become an Olympic champion. Two U57kg athletes did it in the past: Rafaela Silva and Nora Gjakova, Silva is back in Tbilisi but likely the Canadian train will dominate the tournament in her category.
