The Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 came to a close in the Georgian capital with a significant statement from Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, who indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential agreement for Georgia to host the 2029 World Judo Championships.

Welcomed warmly by Levan Nozadze, President of the Georgian Judo Federation, Vizer said during the opening ceremony that a new agreement would soon be signed to extend Tbilisi’s role as a host of Grand Slam events for the next four years. He also expressed interest in formalising a deal that could see the 2029 World Championships staged in the city.

Georgia, with a total of 15 Olympic medals in judo, remains one of the sport’s most established nations. The country’s first Olympic gold medal following independence came through Zurab Zviadauri at the 2004 Athens Olympics. More recently, Lasha Bekauri has strengthened that legacy by winning two Olympic gold medals.

The 2026 edition of the Tbilisi Grand Slam, held on 21–22 March and featuring 386 athletes from 51 countries, finished with Israel at the top of the medal table. Gold medals for Israel were secured by Izhak Ashpiz in the -60kg category, Timna Nelson Levy in -57kg, and Raz Hershko in +78kg.

Izhak Ashpiz – Israel

Russia placed second with two gold medals, won by Idar Bifov in the -100kg division and Madina Taimazova in -70kg. France and Georgia each collected two gold medals to rank third and fourth respectively, with the host nation’s titles coming from Luka Maisuradze and Irakli Demetrashvili.

One of the standout stories of the tournament was the performance of 18-year-old Ashpiz, who claimed gold in the -60kg category. Having already taken bronze at the Paris Grand Slam 2026 and gold at the Lima Grand Prix, he is emerging as a strong prospect ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Another highlight came from France’s Audrey Tcheuméo, who at 35 years old won gold in the -78kg category, underlining her longevity at the highest level. She defeated Germany’s Alina Böhm in the final. France’s second gold medal was secured by Blandine Pont in the -52kg division.

The event once again highlighted Georgia’s deep connection with judo and its growing role as a host of major international competitions, with the possibility of staging the 2029 World Championships further reinforcing its position on the global judo map.