Ulaanbaatar: The Azerbaijani judokas got off to a flying start at the 2026 Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, clinching 1 gold and 1 bronze medal. Judoka Balabay Aghayev bagged gold by defeating reigning champion, Japanese Ryuju Nagayama in the 60 kg bout, while Nizami Imranov (66kg) secured a bronze medal after overcoming Mongolian Yolk Kazirbyek.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azerbaijan is pinning its hopes on a team of 17 athletes participating in the tournament, which is scheduled to run until June 21.