French Judoka Blandine Pont Claims Gold at Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026
Photo credit: Tamara Kulumbegashvili/IJF
Tbilisi, Georgia – France’s Blandine Pont delivered a stunning performance at the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026, securing the gold medal in the -52kg category. This victory marks a significant milestone in Pont’s career, demonstrating her resilience and skill on the international stage.
Pont’s Path to Gold
Pont overcame a challenging field, including a victory over Nino Tatrishvili, a Georgian junior ranked 267th in the world. She continued her winning streak by defeating Sofia Asvesta of Cyprus, the No. 3 seed and world No. 17, utilizing her effective o-soto-gari
technique. Her momentum continued with a win against Gabriela Dimitrova of Bulgaria, ranked 90th globally, in the semi-finals. The final saw Pont triumph over Great Britain’s Tatum Keen, currently ranked 30th in the world.
This Grand Slam victory is the fourth of Pont’s career, and her first in the -52kg weight class.
Strong Showing for French Judo
The French team enjoyed a successful day overall. Pauline Cuq, the reigning French champion in the same weight category, finished fifth. Cuq notably defeated Reka Pupp of Hungary, ranked fifth in both the 2021 and 2024 Olympics and the 2023 and 2024 World Championships, with a ko-uchi-gari
for yuko.
Martha Fawaz also contributed to France’s success, earning a bronze medal in the -57kg category – her second consecutive bronze at a Grand Slam event following Tashkent.
Fawaz’s Bronze Medal Performance
Fawaz’s journey to the bronze medal saw her overcome tough competition, ultimately prevailing against Great Britain’s Acelya Toprak.
Rising Stars and Notable Performances
The tournament also highlighted the emergence of new talent, including Israeli judoka Izhak Ashpiz, who secured a victory in the -60kg category. Israel led the medal count on the first day of the Tbilisi Grand Slam with two titles.
The performance of the British team, with rising stars like Irakli Goginashvili and Ethan Nairne, also drew attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What weight class did Blandine Pont compete in?
Blandine Pont competed in the -52kg weight class. - Where was the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 held?
The Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 was held in Tbilisi, Georgia. - Who did Blandine Pont defeat in the final?
Blandine Pont defeated Tatum Keen of Great Britain in the final.
The Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 proved to be a thrilling event, showcasing the skill and determination of judokas from around the globe. Blandine Pont’s gold medal victory stands as a testament to her dedication and talent, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of judo.