Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The 2026 Judo Grand Slam Tashkent is already proving to be a highlight of the World Judo Tour, captivating audiences with thrilling competition and a vibrant atmosphere. Kicking off on February 27th and running through March 1st at the Humo Arena, the event has drawn 370 competitors from 39 nations, vying for a total prize pool of €154,000. As detailed by the International Judo Federation (IJF), Uzbekistan has firmly established itself as a key destination on the international judo circuit, and this year’s Grand Slam is no exception.
The opening day of the tournament delivered a series of compelling matches, showcasing both established stars and rising talents. The energy within the Humo Arena was palpable, with a passionate Uzbek crowd providing enthusiastic support for their home athletes. The event isn’t simply a sporting competition; IJF President Marius Vizer emphasized that Tashkent represents “a special meeting place in Central Asia, a thriving hub of activity across the arts, business and sport,” highlighting the unique cultural context surrounding the event. Vizer expressed confidence in Uzbekistan’s distinctive contribution to the World Judo Tour, stating that the Tashkent Grand Slam is “an unmissable event.”
Day One Medal Highlights: A Showcase of Judo Excellence
The first day of competition saw champions crowned in several weight categories, demonstrating the diverse skill and athleticism within the sport. In the women’s -48kg division, HUI Xinran of China secured the gold medal with a well-executed Ouchi-gari technique, delighting spectators with her skillful maneuver. The medal was presented by Taishan Group Chairman, BIAN Qingfeng. The -60kg category witnessed a closely contested final between Azerbaijani teammates Ahmad YUSIFOV and Balabay AGHAYEV, with YUSIFOV ultimately prevailing after a gripping golden score period. LIU Hongtao, Chairman of Impulse Health Tech Co Ltd, presented the medal to the victor.
Japan continued to demonstrate its dominance in judo, particularly in the women’s divisions. FUJISHIRO Kokoro claimed gold in the -52kg category, showcasing exceptional groundwork skills and control. IJF General Treasurer, Naser AL TAMIMI, awarded her the medal. The -66kg division saw a spectacular performance from ABE Hifumi, a two-time Olympic and four-time world champion, who secured victory with a powerful Sode Tsurikomi Goshi throw, widely considered the most impressive throw of the day. The medal presentation was made by Obaid AL ANZI, Vice President of the IJF.
Uzbekistan’s Shukurjon Aminova Delivers a Home Victory
Perhaps the most electrifying moment of the day came in the -57kg category, where home favorite Shukurjon AMINOVA delivered a stunning performance. Aminova first shocked the judo world by defeating the current world champion, Eteri Liparteliani, in the semi-final, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. She then carried that momentum into the final, where she faced SHIRAKANE Mio of Japan. Aminova’s power and determination proved decisive, securing her the gold medal and marking the first victory for Uzbekistan at this year’s Grand Slam. The gold medal was presented by Otabek UMAROV, Olympic Council of Asia Vice President. This victory is a significant milestone for Uzbek judo, demonstrating the growing strength of the nation’s athletes on the international stage.
The success didn’t stop there for the host nation. Doston RUZIEV added to the Uzbek medal count with a bronze medal in his category, further fueling the national pride. His victory, achieved through a skillful and determined performance, underscored the depth of talent within the Uzbek judo program. The Uzbek Judo Federation, under the leadership of President Azizjon Kamilov, has been consistently investing in the development of the sport across all age categories, and these results are a testament to that commitment. Kamilov has spoken of Uzbekistan’s sustained development and long-term investment in judo.
The Growing Importance of the Tashkent Grand Slam
The Tashkent Grand Slam has rapidly become a crucial event on the World Judo Tour, attracting top athletes and generating significant interest from fans worldwide. The event’s success is due in part to Uzbekistan’s strong judo tradition and its commitment to providing a world-class competition experience. The Humo Arena, a modern and well-equipped venue, provides an ideal setting for the tournament, and the enthusiastic support of the local community creates a unique and memorable atmosphere. The IJF’s decision to include Tashkent as a regular stop on the tour underscores the growing importance of Central Asia in the global judo landscape.
The tournament too serves as an critical platform for promoting judo within Uzbekistan and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The visibility generated by the Grand Slam helps to raise awareness of the sport and encourages young people to take up judo, contributing to the continued growth and development of the sport in the country. The Uzbek Judo Federation is actively involved in grassroots development programs, working to identify and nurture young talent and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Looking Ahead: Middleweight Competition on the Horizon
As the 2026 Judo Grand Slam Tashkent progresses, all eyes will now turn to the middleweight categories. Tomorrow’s competition promises to be equally thrilling, with a host of talented athletes vying for gold. The event continues to showcase the best of judo, providing a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level and for fans to witness the skill, athleticism, and drama of this dynamic sport. The ongoing success of the Tashkent Grand Slam reinforces Uzbekistan’s position as a leading force in the world of judo and a welcoming host for international competitions.
The competition continues tomorrow, with the middle-weights taking center stage. Stay tuned for further updates and results from the 2026 Judo Grand Slam Tashkent. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions to the event in the comments below.