Karem Primo Wins Bronze at Budapest Grand Slam Judo Tournament

Israeli judoka Karem Primo secured a bronze medal in the under-63 kg category at the Budapest Grand Slam on September 26, 2026. This achievement follows a gold medal win by Yitzhak Aspiz in the under-60 kg category the previous day, marking a successful outing for Israel at the tournament.

Primo's bronze medal match victory over Kosovo's Distria Krasniqi, decided by a golden score 'yuko,' held significant personal and mental weight. Primo had suffered a severe injury against the same opponent in 2023, leading to a two-year hiatus for surgery and rehabilitation. Primo advanced through the competition with wins over opponents from South Africa and the Czech Republic before losing in the quarterfinals to Slovenia's Andreja Leški. She then fought her way back through the repechage, defeating Poland's Natalia Krukowska to reach the bronze medal bout.

Primo expressed her joy and gratitude for her first Grand Slam medal, calling it a significant gift for herself and for Israel ahead of Rosh Hashanah. She thanked her coaching staff, including head coach Shani Hershko and personal coach Mart Margolis, as well as the Judo Association and her club, Beit Ha'Meitar Netanya, and sponsor Sano.

Head coach Shani Hershko praised Primo's performance, highlighting her high level of skill, character, determination, and maturity. He noted that her victory over a top-ranked opponent and Olympic medalist underscored the quality of her achievement and her continued progress. Hershko also extended thanks to the support staff, club, and the Judo Association for their contributions to the team's success.

Other Israeli judokas competed, with Ohad Maimon (under-73 kg) reaching the repechage after losing in the quarterfinals. Athletes Itay Bitankov (under-81 kg), Yonathan Elbaz (under-73 kg), Maya Goshn (under-70 kg), and Adelina Novitzky (under-70 kg) were eliminated in earlier rounds.