Babulfath as revelation of the Baku Grand Slam

The Baku Grand Slam 2024 showcased Azerbaijan's dominance, securing the top spot in the final rankings with an impressive haul of three gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals. Their stellar performance stood out in a fiercely competitive environment, especially considering the formidable competition from other nations.

France emerged as a strong contender, clinching the second position in the rankings. Their success was a testament to their exceptional results during the Paris Grand Slam earlier in February. Despite a slow start, the French team rallied with three silver medals, ultimately propelled to near the top by Romane Dicko's remarkable victory.

Canada delivered a commendable overall performance, earning three medals across the spectrum of gold, silver, and bronze. Similarly, the Netherlands made a significant impact with seven medals, including one gold and six bronze. The breadth of medal-winning countries was noteworthy, with 23 nations securing medals and 32 reaching the final block, showcasing the global reach and competitiveness of judo.

The Baku Grand Slam also witnessed the emergence of young talents, notably Tara Babulfath (18) from Sweden, who, despite being a first-year junior, clinched a major World Judo Tour event victory. This promising young judoka is poised to make waves in the judo world in the coming months and years, signaling a bright future for the sport. She became the youngest ever winner of the Grand Slam in Baku in ten year's time. Anything is possible for the youth in judo. 

Several judoka achieved significant milestones by winning their first grand slam titles or making their debut appearances in the final block, highlighting the depth of talent and potential in the sport. While familiar names such as Diyora Keldiyorova, Hidayat Heydarov, Christa Deguchi, and Barbara Matic showcased their prowess, some notable names missed the podium, underscoring the unpredictable nature of judo competitions.

Despite the intense competition, the Baku Grand Slam was impeccably organized, thanks to the seamless coordination and dedication of the national federation and the International Judo Federation (IJF) teams. The flawless execution of the tournament ensured that athletes competed in optimal conditions, contributing to the overall success of the event.

Additionally, the Baku Grand Slam served as a platform for the launch of a new campaign by the Azerbaijan Judo Federation aimed at combating bullying and abuse. This initiative underscored judo's commitment to promoting education and fostering a culture of respect and integrity both on and off the mat.