Giliazova brought considerably more experience to the final. A European medallist on three occasions, including silver at the 2026 European Championships, she had long been established among the leading judoka at -48 kg.
The final was evenly balanced. Both athletes searched to create openings through changes of direction but neither was able to place the other in real danger. With the contest locked, golden score was needed to separate them. Eventually Giliazova claimed a tactical victory when Dudina received a third penalty.
As she stepped off the mat, Sabina Giliazova explained, "The last time I won gold was in 2024 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and now, two years later, I'm a gold medallist again, which I'm really happy about! I'm trying not to let my emotions loose just yet, as I'm focused on preparing for the upcoming world championship, where I want to give it my all."
The first bronze medal contest saw Amber Gersjes of the Netherlands face Tomoka Arakawa of Japan. The second brought together Baasankhuu Bavuudorj of Mongolia and Maria Celia Laborde of the United States of America. Bavuudorj arrived in Budapest as the 2024 world and Asian champion, as well as a Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, making her one of the standout athletes in the category.
Arakawa had to work hard for her place on the podium, eventually scoring a yuko with a neat ashi-waza which proved sufficient to secure the bronze medal. 2024 world champion Bavuudorj gave her opponent no opportunity to settle, winning fast after strong groundwork that finished with an arm lock for a clear ippon. It may not have been the medal she had hoped for when arriving in Budapest but it was an excellent result and a significant return to the top level.
Final (-48 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-48 kg)
