Inal Tasoev and Zhalgas Kairolla Shine at Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026
The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 concluded in Astana, delivering a high-stakes showcase of elite judo. The event was highlighted by the dominance of reigning world champion Inal Tasoev in the heavyweight division and a strong showing from home-country athletes, including Zhalgas Kairolla, who secured a gold medal for Kazakhstan.
Heavyweight Dominance: Inal Tasoev Secures Gold
The tournament ended on a high note as the heavyweight men’s competition took center stage. Russia’s Inal Tasoev, the reigning world champion, continued his streak of excellence by claiming the gold medal. Tasoev’s victory underscored his position as a powerhouse in the division, capping off the event with a definitive performance in the Astana arena according to the European Judo Union.
Kazakhstan’s Strong Home Performance
Competing on home soil, Kazakhstan’s athletes delivered a series of impressive results across multiple weight classes. A standout moment came in the Men’s -81 kg category, where Zhalgas Kairolla captured the gold medal, defeating Petru Pelivan of Moldova in the final.
The host nation also found success in the lighter weight divisions. In the Men’s -60 kg category, Talgat Orynbassar earned a silver medal, while teammate Sherzod Davlatov secured a bronze. Angsarbek Gainullin added to the tally with a bronze medal in the Men’s -73 kg division. These results contributed to Kazakhstan’s strong presence in the final medal standings.
Key Results by Category
The International Judo Federation (IJF) results highlight a diverse array of winners from across the globe:
- Men’s -60 kg: Gold went to Sukhbat Byambasuren (MGL), with Talgat Orynbassar (KAZ) taking silver.
- Women’s -48 kg: Amber Gersjes (NED) claimed the top spot on the podium.
- Men’s -66 kg: Abdurakhim Nutfulloev (UZB) secured the gold.
- Women’s -52 kg: Blandine Pont (FRA) emerged victorious.
- Men’s -73 kg: Danil Lavrentev (RUS) took the gold medal.
- Women’s -57 kg: Faiza Mokdar (FRA) won the category.
- Men’s -81 kg: Zhalgas Kairolla (KAZ) earned the gold.
- Women’s -63 kg: Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) finished first.
Key Takeaways from the Event
- World Champion Status: Inal Tasoev reaffirmed his dominance in the heavyweight class.
- Regional Strength: Central Asian nations, particularly Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, showed significant strength in several weight categories.
- European Presence: France and the Netherlands secured key gold medals, maintaining their standing in the international circuit.
The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 serves as a critical marker for athletes as they refine their rankings and prepare for upcoming international championships. With a mix of established champions and rising stars, the event in Astana provided a clear glimpse into the current hierarchy of global judo.