The fourth Grand Slam tournament of 2025 will occur in Tbilisi, Georgia, from March 21-23, featuring over 400 judokas from 53 countries. The Mongolian team, consisting of 11 male and 9 female athletes, aims to improve upon last year’s performance where no medals were secured. Past successes highlight Mongolia’s capabilities in this competitive setting.
On March 21-23, 2025, Tbilisi, Georgia will host the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the year, organized by the International Judo Federation (IJF). This event has garnered attention as over 400 judokas from 53 nations are set to participate, making it the largest Grand Slam in 2025 thus far. In comparison, previous Grand Slam events this year attracted fewer competitors, with the Paris Grand Slam featuring entrants from 50 countries, Baku from 36, and Tashkent from 23.
The Mongolian Judo team, under the guidance of Head Coach Erdenebaatar Uuganbayar along with Coaches Nyamlkhagva Purevdorj, Boldbaatar Chimed-Yondon, and Boldbaatar Ganbat, has departed for Tbilisi including 11 male and 9 female athletes. For the men’s division, K. Yolk and E. Ariunbold are set to compete in the 60 kg category, while Yo. Baskhuu and U. Byambasuren will take on the 66 kg category. Further competitors include O. Uranbayar and L. Ankhzaya in the 73 kg, O. Shinebayar in 81 kg, Ts. Gan-Erdene and B. Munkhbayar in 90 kg, B. Khuderchuluun in -100 kg, and B. Gonchigsuren in the +100 kg category.
In the women’s division, G. Narantsetseg and J. Anudari will compete in the 48 kg class, with M. Nandin-Erdene and Ts. Gal-Od in the 52 kg category. M. Ichinkhorloo and T. Ariunzaya will represent Mongolia in the 57 kg category, while D. Yesui competes in 70 kg, A. Dulamsuren in -78 kg, and A. Adiyasuren in the +78 kg category.
Historically, Mongolia has enjoyed notable achievements in this tournament. In 2021, M. Urantsetseg and Ts. Tsogt-Ochir won gold medals while G. Kherlen and G. Altanbagana took home bronze. Although Mongolia skipped the 2022 event, in 2023, B. Erdenebayar secured gold, followed by silver medals won by Yo. Baskhuu and B. Gonchigsuren, and G. Narantsetseg’s bronze. However, in the previous tournament held last year, although 12 Mongolian judokas participated, they did not achieve any medals.
The upcoming Judo Grand Slam in Tbilisi promises to be a significant event with high participation levels. The Mongolian team’s experienced coaching staff and diverse athlete representation reflect their commitment to performing well. Past successes, particularly in 2021 and 2023, underscore Mongolia’s potential, although last year’s results serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in competition. Expectations remain high for this year’s event as they strive to reclaim their podium standings.
Original Source: montsame.mn
