Lubjana Piovesana Resumes competition with Seventh-Place Finish at Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam
Primary Topic: Judo Competition Results & Athlete Performance
Primary Keyword: Lubjana Piovesana
secondary Keywords: judo Grand Slam Abu Dhabi, Judo results, Austrian Judo, Miguel Ogando Lopes, Carlotta Avanzato, Laura fazliu, Tokyo Judo
Lubjana Piovesana, representing Austria, marked her return to competitive judo with a commendable seventh-place finish at the Judo Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi on November 29, 2025. This event signified Piovesana’s first competition after a five-month hiatus. https://www.ijf.org/
The 28-year-old judoka,seeded second in the under 63 kg category,demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament. Her journey was halted in the quarter-finals by Italy’s Carlotta Avanzato, who secured a yuko victory during the golden Score period. This closely contested match highlighted the competitive intensity at the Grand Slam.
Following her defeat, Piovesana entered the repechage round, seeking an opportunity to contend for a medal. however, she faced a formidable opponent in Laura Fazliu of Kosovo, a decorated athlete with Olympic and World Cup bronze medals to her name. Fazliu ultimately prevailed, winning by waza-ari.
Despite not achieving her desired podium finish in Abu Dhabi,Austrian Judo National Coach Miguel Ogando Lopes expressed optimism regarding piovesana’s progress. “Lulu has not yet been able to show her normal form in her competitive comeback,” stated Ogando Lopes. He anticipates a stronger performance at the upcoming Judo competition in Tokyo,scheduled for two weeks following the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam,where he believes she will be a strong contender for a medal. https://www.oevj.at/ (Austrian Judo Federation Official Website)
Piovesana’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam serves as a crucial stepping stone in her return to top-level competition, and her performance will be closely watched by fans and fellow athletes as she prepares for the Tokyo event. The Judo Grand slam series continues to showcase the world’s elite judoka, providing a platform for athletes to test their skills and strive for Olympic qualification.