Mongolia sits in 4th place ahead of the second day, but with the same number of medals as Japan. This is a strong sign that all is well in Mongolia.

The podium was littered with first-time medallists and young judoka just finding their way into the elite ranks, although Galitskaia (IJF), Vieru (MDA) and others stopped it being a total whitewash for the newcomers.

From great judo to perfect hospitality, the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam has begun on a good footing and with two further days of exciting judo, important results and development ahead, Mongolia is delivering on every level.