+78 kg: Tavano Claims a Second Dushanbe Grand Slam Gold

After celebrating a gold medal in the -100 kg category, the Chinese team had another opportunity to reach the top of the podium on the final day of competition at the Dushanbe Grand Slam. Jinesinuer Ayiman (CHN) advanced to the final of the women’s heavyweight division, while teammate Xinran Niu (CHN) remained in contention for a bronze medal. With multiple medal opportunities, China was assured a strong presence during the day’s medal ceremonies.

Final: Asya Tavano (ITA) vs Jinesinuer Ayiman (CHN)

The gold medal contest at +78 kg saw Jinesinuer Ayiman face Italy’s Asya Tavano on the tatami at the Qasri Tennis Arena.

Tavano made an immediate statement by scoring a yuko early in the match and quickly established control. Trailing on the scoreboard, Ayiman was forced to increase the pace and take more risks in an effort to find a breakthrough. Despite her determination and constant pressure, the Chinese judoka was unable to overcome Tavano’s disciplined defensive work and tactical management of the contest.

Maintaining her advantage until the final seconds, Tavano secured victory and added a second Dushanbe Grand Slam gold medal to her collection, having first won the title in the Tajik capital in 2024. It was another impressive performance from the Italian heavyweight and a result that confirmed her strong form on the World Judo Tour.

Following her victory, a delighted Tavano reflected on what the event means to her.

“Dushanbe will always have a special place in my heart. This is where I won my first Grand Slam gold medal, and now I have managed to do it again. The fans here are incredibly supportive and their energy gives me extra motivation every time I compete. I feel very confident after a long period of strong training sessions. The work has already produced results here and at previous events, but the real focus begins now because the ultimate objective remains the Olympic Games.”

Bronze Medal Contest: Kinga Wolszczak (POL) vs Xinran Niu (CHN)

The first bronze medal match featured Kinga Wolszczak (POL) and Xinran Niu (CHN), two athletes determined to finish the tournament on the podium.

Both competitors approached the contest aggressively, looking to impose their style from the outset. While Wolszczak showed plenty of initiative, it was Niu who demonstrated greater accuracy and efficiency. The Chinese judoka opened the scoring with a yuko before later producing a perfectly timed counterattack that resulted in ippon.

Clearly delighted with her performance, Niu left the competition area to enthusiastic applause, exchanging high-fives with spectators as she made her way toward the podium and celebrated a well-earned medal.

Bronze Medal Contest: Mariia Ivanova (RUS) vs Mokhlaroyim Tukhtamisheva (UZB)

The second bronze medal bout brought together Mariia Ivanova (RUS) and Mokhlaroyim Tukhtamisheva (UZB).

Ivanova wasted little time asserting her authority. Less than ninety seconds into the contest, she secured an osaekomi and maintained control long enough to earn victory, sealing her place on the podium with a dominant display.

Final (+78 kg)

Asya Tavano (ITA) defeated Jinesinuer Ayiman (CHN)

Bronze Medal Contests (+78 kg)

Xinran Niu (CHN) defeated Kinga Wolszczak (POL)

Mariia Ivanova (RUS) defeated Mokhlaroyim Tukhtamisheva (UZB)

Final Results (+78 kg)

1. Asya Tavano (ITA)

2. Jinesinuer Ayiman (CHN)

3. Xinran Niu (CHN)

3. Mariia Ivanova (RUS)

5. Kinga Wolszczak (POL)

5. Mokhlaroyim Tukhtamisheva (UZB)

7. Iriskhon Kurbanbaeva (UZB)