A Triumphant Return: Judo’s Top Stars Unveil Their Comebacks at the Paris Grand Slam
After recovering from a well-deserved break following the Paris 2024 Olympics, many of the sport’s elite judoka have marked their calendars for a significant event: the 2025 Paris Grand Slam. While the World Judo Tour resumed its Grand Prix and Grand Slam schedule post-Olympics, many high-profile athletes chose to take time off to recharge. Now, the crème de la crème of judo is back, ready to showcase their skills.
Distria Krasniqi: Aiming for Glory
Kosovo’s Distria Krasniqi, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion in the -48kg division and a 2024 Paris silver medalist in the -52kg category, is among those making a comeback. Krasniqi, who has already won the Paris Grand Slam in 2024, is determined to defend her title and embark on a fresh chapter in her illustrious career.
French Hopes Rest on Shirine Boukli
For France, hopes are pinned on Shirine Boukli, the -48kg Olympic bronze medalist from Paris 2024. Boukli may face her compatriot, Tara Babulfath, who recently secured victory at the -23 European championships and is also competing in the -48kg division. Another formidable contender is Japan’s Koga Waka, who remains undefeated and eager to continue her winning streak.
Marie-Ève Gahié: Home Country Hero
The home crowd in Paris will undoubtedly support 2019 world champion Marie-Ève Gahié, who won three Grand Slams and hopes to secure gold in the future. Gahié, a three-time Grand Slam winner, aims to turn her silver medal from the 2024 Paris Grand Slam into gold this year.
The Unpredictable -73kg Division
The men’s -73kg division is a melting pot of talent, featuring Italy’s Manuel Lombardo, Kosovo’s Akil Gjakova, Georgia’s Olympic medalist Lasha Shavdatuashvili, USA’s Jack Yonezuka, and Azerbaijan’s Vusal Galandarzade. This category is highly unpredictable, making it one of the most thrilling events of the tournament.
New Champions Eager to Shine
The return of other recently minted Olympic medalists adds to the excitement. Fresh off their Paris 2024 victories, Republic of Korea’s Lee Joonhwan, Israel’s Inbar Lanir and Raz Hershko, and Portugal’s Patricia Sampaio all look to make a strong impact. Additionally, the Netherlands’ 2024 world champion, Joanne Van Lieshout, will aim to secure her first Grand Slam gold after winning bronze in Abu Dhabi.
Matthias Casse Seeks Redemption
Belgium’s Matthias Casse, who secured the -81kg title at the 2024 Paris Grand Slam, will defend his crown. However, Casse aims to bounce back from his defeat in the Olympic bronze medal bout against Lee Joonhwan at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris.
Talent Showcases Await
As the season gears up, many top athletes will vie for glory at the opening Grand Slam of the year. With seasoned champions, new medalists, and emerging talents, the Paris Grand Slam promises to be a spectacle of skill and determination.
We invite you to comment below, share your thoughts on the prospects of these champions, and stay tuned for more updates from the 2025 Paris Grand Slam!
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