Tashkent Grand Slam 2021: Sushila Devi loses in second round, Jasleen Singh exits early
Jasleen Singh lost the opening round in a closely fought contest
Indian judokas had a disappointing day at the Tashkent Grand Slam 2021 at the Humo Arena, with the lighter weight categories in action on Friday.
In the women's -48 kg first round, Sushila Devi Likmabam started on a positive note, defeating her Russian counter-part Anastasia Pavlenko. The 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, however, faltered in round 2 as she lost to Mongolian judoka Urantsetseg Munkhbat by Ippon.
Meanwhile, in the men's 66kg contest, one of the top Indian judokas Jasleen Singh faltered in the opening round, losing to Uzbekistan's Dilshodbek Yuldoshev.
There was little to choose between the pair, but with 1:07 remaining, Singh received his third shido - for non-combativity - and so handed victory to his opponent.
The event was held in a bio-bubble environment in the Uzbekistan capital city to ensure the safety and security of the judokas during the Covid-19 situation.
The opening day of the event was dominated by Asia with Japan clinching three of the five gold medals on offer.
Ryuju Nagayama clinched the top podium spot in the men's 60kg category. Uta Abe, one of the favourites for the Tokyo 2020, was victorious in his return to the women’s 52kg while Momo Tamaoki won the gold medal in the women’s 57kg.
Matches in nine weight categories will take place between Saturday and Sunday.