Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard from Canada already has Olympic and World Championship medals in her cabinet. Now she has added another Grand Slam gold to her collection – the fourth of her career. Who else won in Abu Dhabi? Find out here.

Who made a name for themselves on the second day of competition at the Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam? Here is an overview.

David Karapetian won the final in the weight class up to 81 kilograms against Frank de Wit from the Netherlands. It was Karapetian’s first tournament victory at this level. The chairman of the United Arab Emirates Judo Association, Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Alderei, presented the award to the winner.

Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard from Canada already has Olympic and World Championship medals in her cabinet. Now she has added another Grand Slam gold to her collection – the fourth of her career. She prevailed in Abu Dhabi in the weight class up to 63 kilograms, Jing Tang from China had to admit defeat in the final.

“The throw I used was an ura-nage. When she attacked me, I caught her halfway. It all came out of my legs. I picked her up and spun her around in the air. It’s a great throw that I don’t use often. But when it works, it’s a decent ippon,” said Beauchemin-Pinard.

Max-Hervé George, Managing Director of Icona Capital, presented the gold medal to the judoka from Canada.

In the women’s category up to 70 kilograms, Madina Taimazova had reason to celebrate. Ida Eriksson tried in vain to prevent the Tokyo bronze medalist from winning. Michael Michaely from CEDCO Hungary hung the precious metal around her neck

Shachram Ahadow from Uzbekistan dominated the action in the 73 kilogram weight class. He took bronze from Abu Dhabi last year and now earned gold with a victory in the final over the Kosovan Akil Gjakova, the 2021 European champion. Otabek Umarov, deputy chairman of the Asian Olympic Council, took over the award ceremony.

“I felt very relaxed here in Abu Dhabi – as if I was at home in Uzbekistan. I really like Abu Dhabi. I won bronze here last year and now my first Grand Slam gold. Hopefully I will win gold in the upcoming competitions and at the Olympics in honor of Uzbekistan,” said Ahadov after his victory.

Nugzari Tatalashvili – born in Georgia but now a citizen of the United Arab Emirates – was responsible for the home nation’s second medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

This Thursday – the third and final day of competition – the heavyweights take to the mat.