South Korean Judo Stars Lee Hyun-ji and Kim Min-ju Secure Grand Slam Gold
ASTANA, kazakhstan – South Korea’s Lee Hyun-ji and Kim Min-ju have captured gold medals at teh Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam 2025. Lee Hyun-ji triumphed in the women’s +78kg division, while Kim Min-ju secured the top spot in the -78kg category.
Lee Hyun-ji Dominates +78kg Category
Lee Hyun-ji, ranked 12th in the world, defeated France’s Giulia Pierucci, ranked 18th, in the +78kg final on Monday. She secured victory with a decisive foot sweep (밭다리걸기).
Kim Min-ju Victorious in -78kg Division
Kim Min-ju also showcased exceptional skill and determination to win gold in the -78kg division. Further details regarding her matches were not immediately available
Thes victories mark meaningful achievements for both athletes and bolster South Korea’s standing in international judo.
Lee Hyun-ji Secures First Grand Slam Judo Title; Kim Min-ju Clinches Gold in Kazakhstan
ASTANA, Kazakhstan – South korean judokas are making waves on the international stage. Lee hyun-ji captured her first Grand Slam title, while kim Min-ju also secured a gold medal at the recent Grand Slam event in Kazakhstan.
Lee Hyun-ji Triumphs Over World Champion in Thrilling Match
Lee Hyun-ji, who won gold at the 2024 World Youth Judo Championships in Tajikistan, achieved her first Grand Slam victory by defeating Turkiye’s Hilal Ozturk in the women’s 78kg division final. ozturk is a formidable opponent, having won gold at the Grand Slam in Antalya, Turkiye, last year.
Lee secured a crucial yuko with a foot sweep (밭다리걸기) and maintained her composure to win the match.
Kim Min-ju Dominates at Kazakhstan Grand Slam
In addition to Lee’s victory, Kim Min-ju also won gold in the women’s 78kg category at the same event.
These victories highlight the strength and depth of South Korea’s judo program.
Kim Min-ju Clinches Gold at Kazakhstan Grand Slam
ALMATY,Kazakhstan – Kim Min-ju of South Korea secured a gold medal in the women’s 78kg category at the Kazakhstan Baryss Grand Slam 2025,overcoming Japan’s Izumi Mao in a decisive victory.
Triumph Over Top Competitor
Kim, ranked 22nd in the world, defeated Izumi Mao, ranked 59th, with a skillful shoulder throw (ippon seoi nage). this victory marks a significant achievement for Kim, adding to her growing list of international accolades.
A Season of Success
The final match saw Kim demonstrating superior technique and strategic prowess. Izumi, a formidable opponent with Grand Slam titles from Ekaterinburg (2019) and Astana (2023), put up a strong fight, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Kim’s skillful execution. This win in Kazakhstan underscores Kim’s rising prominence in the international judo scene.
Building Momentum
Kim’s gold medal comes on the heels of a silver medal win at the Asian Judo Championships 2025 last month. Her consistent performance and dedication to her sport have solidified her position as a top contender in the 78kg division. This victory not only adds to her individual accomplishments but also contributes to the continued success of South Korean judo on the global stage.
South Korea Secures Second Place at Asian Weightlifting Championships with Stellar Performance
South Korea concluded the Asian Weightlifting Championships in second place fueled by a remarkable showing that included three gold medals. the nation’s weightlifters demonstrated exceptional skill and strength throughout the competition, solidifying south Korea’s position as a powerhouse in the sport within Asia.
Lee Min-ji Clinches Gold in Women’s 71kg Category
Lee Min-ji emerged victorious in the women’s 71kg category, adding crucial points to South Korea’s medal tally. her performance showcased precision and power, earning her the coveted gold medal and highlighting her dedication to the sport.
Park Hye-jeong Shines in Women’s +87kg Division
Adding to the gold rush, Park Hye-jeong dominated the women’s +87kg division. Park’s achievement further cemented the nation’s strong presence in the women’s weightlifting events at the championships.
Lee Jun-hwan Triumphs in Men’s 81kg Class
Prior to lee Min-ji’s victory, Lee Jun-hwan, representing Pohang City Hall, secured a gold medal in the men’s 81kg class.His win contributed significantly to South Korea’s overall success in the tournament.
What technique did Kim Min-ju use to defeat Izumi mao and win her gold medal?
South Korean Judo Stars Shine at the Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam 2025
The Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam 2025 was a triumphant event for South Korean judo, with Lee Hyun-ji and Kim Min-ju securing gold medals. This article provides details on their stellar performances and the impact on South Korea’s judo program.
Q&A: Unpacking the Victories
Who is Lee Hyun-ji?
Lee Hyun-ji is a South Korean judoka who won gold in the women’s +78kg division at the Kazakhstan Barysy Grand slam 2025 [[1](https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/10/judo-grand-slam-gold-rush-for-four-nations-on-day-2-in-astana)]. She is ranked 12th in the world and defeated France’s Giulia Pierucci in the final with a foot sweep.
What is a “foot sweep” (밭다리걸기)?
A foot sweep,known as “Battai-gari” in Japanese,is a judo technique were a competitor uses their foot to sweep their opponent’s leg,causing them to lose balance and fall. It is a basic and effective technique in judo.
Who is Kim Min-ju?
Kim Min-ju is another South Korean judoka who won gold in the women’s 78kg category at the Kazakhstan barysy Grand Slam 2025. She defeated Izumi Mao of Japan with a shoulder throw (ippon seoi nage). Kim is ranked 22nd in the world and also won a silver medal at the Asian Judo Championships 2025 last month.
What is “ippon seoi nage”?
Ippon seoi nage is a judo throwing technique where the attacker grabs the opponent’s sleeve with one hand and wraps the other arm around the opponent’s arm or shoulder. The attacker then uses their body to lift and throw the opponent over their shoulder.
What is the meaning of these victories?
These victories mark notable achievements for both athletes and highlight the strength and depth of South Korea’s judo program. They also contribute to South Korea’s standing in international judo.
What other achievements has Lee Hyun-ji had?
lee hyun-ji won gold at the 2024 World Youth Judo Championships in Tajikistan. At the Kazakhstan Grand Slam, she secured her first Grand Slam title.
what is the Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam?
The Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam is a prestigious judo tournament where top judokas from around the world compete. It is part of the IJF World Judo Tour.
What other countries won gold at the tournament?
Switzerland, France, and Italy also claimed gold medals at the Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam [[1](https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/10/judo-grand-slam-gold-rush-for-four-nations-on-day-2-in-astana)].
The success of Lee Hyun-ji and Kim Min-ju at the Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam 2025 underscores South Korea’s rising prominence in the world of judo. Stay tuned for more exciting judo events and the continued success of these talented athletes.
