Georgian judokas claim three gold medals, lead Abu Dhabi Grand Slam rankings

Georgia’s Paris Grand Slam medal-winner Lasha Shavdatuashvili followed two other athletes from the country to claim a third gold for Georgia at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo competition on Sunday.

Competing in his 73 kg weight category, Shavdatuashvili earned his title in the final match against Kosovo’s Akil Gjakova.

The Georgian edged ahead in the encounter through a waza-ari and successfully defended his advantage through the rest of the final.

Lasha Shavdatuashvili, winner of Sunday’s 73 kg gold, photographed in action earlier in the tournament. Photo: Ben Urban/International Judo Federation.

His gold-winning performance follows similar results by Vazha Margvelashvili and Amiran Papinashvili, two other judokas from Georgia, on the first day of the competition.

Margvelashvili collected the 66 kg gold, while Papinashvili added the 60 kg category top medal to the team coffer.

Georgia’s 60 kg gold-winner Amiran Papinashvili (second from left) with podium finishers. Photo: International Judo Federation.

Two more athletes represented the country in fixtures on Sunday — Tamaz Kirakozashvili and Pridon Gigani faced their opponents in 81 kg and 73 kg categories respectively.

The combined medal haul has seen Georgia lead the team rankings of the United Arab Emirates competition ahead of Kosovo and Israel.

The Grand Slam involved over 60 countries represented by 346 athletes, including 213 men and 133 women.