Astana’s opening day blends home pride with a French double at the top

Judo’s footprint in Kazakhstan feels impossible to ignore. Across a country of huge distances and wide open spaces, the sport has built a visible presence, backed by a national commitment to developing sport at every level.

That support was on full display on the first day of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam, where President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended in person. For the athletes and coaches representing the host nation, that kind of stage brings extra pressure, but also extra meaning.

Kazakhstan had good reason to feel proud in the -60 kg category. Talgat Orynbassar and Sherzod Davlatov both reached the podium, giving the home crowd a moment to celebrate and adding more momentum to judo’s growing profile in the country.

Home support turned into a real podium moment for Kazakhstan.

The presence of the head of state alongside IJF President Marius Vizer during the final block underlined how important this event is for Kazakhstan. It was not just another stop on the calendar. It felt like a statement about how seriously the country is investing in judo and in sport more broadly.

While the host nation enjoyed a strong opening, France ended the day in the strongest position on the medal table. Blandine Pont claimed gold at -52 kg, and Faiza Mokdar followed with another title at -57 kg, giving France a clean double in the women’s lightweight divisions.

That result put France ahead after day one and gave the European team a sharp, confident start in Astana. In a competition where early momentum can shape the tone of the weekend, two gold medals in one day is a powerful way to begin.

France left day one with both momentum and medals.

Mongolia, meanwhile, sat behind France after the opening contests. With several seeded lightweight judoka in action, there had been expectations of a bigger first-day impact, but the results did not fully match the ranking order. That leaves them needing a response in the Saturday categories.

For Kazakhstan, though, the first takeaway was larger than a single result. The event showed how deeply judo is embedded in the country and how strongly it is being supported from the top. Podium finishes for Orynbassar and Davlatov gave that message a sporting edge, while France’s two-title haul provided the standout competitive story of the day.

Astana now moves into its second day with the host nation energized and France leading the way. After an opening session shaped by national pride, visible support and decisive results, the Grand Slam already has real intensity.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation