Hifumi Abe Claims 14th Grand Slam Gold in Tashkent
Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Double Olympic champion Hifumi Abe added another title to his illustrious career, securing his 14th Grand Slam gold medal at the Judo GS Tashkent tournament on February 27, 2026. The victory came against fellow Japanese judoka Shinsei Hattori in the men’s 66kg class.
Dominant Performance Throughout the Tournament
Abe navigated the competition with calm authority
, controlling each round with precision. Whereas no opponent truly threatened the Japanese star, each contest demanded focus and control. He reached the final without significant challenge.
Swift Victory in the Final
The final against Hattori was short-lived. Abe quickly established his rhythm and, after a brief exchange, executed a powerful hip technique, sending Hattori to the tatami. The victory came just 39 seconds into the match, showcasing Abe’s overwhelming strength
.
Road to the Final
Hattori had impressed throughout the preliminary rounds, securing confident victories and strong attacks to reach the biggest final of his career. Earlier in the day, he defeated Nurali Emomali, who then went on to win the bronze medal contest against Valerio Accogli after a golden score period.
Looking Ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics
This win comes as the competition intensifies to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Abe previously suffered his first international tournament loss in six years at the World Championships last June, finishing third. He has since regained momentum, winning the Grand Slam Tokyo tournament by defeating Tsuyoshi Takeoka.
Recent Competition
Tsuyoshi Takeoka recently won the GS Paris tournament on February 7th.
FAQ
- How many Grand Slam gold medals does Hifumi Abe have?
He has 14 Grand Slam gold medals. - Who did Hifumi Abe defeat in the final?
He defeated Shinsei Hattori. - Where did the tournament take place?
The tournament took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Abe’s victory in Tashkent marks a strong start to his campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, demonstrating his continued dominance in the sport.