Linz, Austria – The International Judo Federation’s Grand Prix Upper Austria commenced today in Linz, marking a return to the city for the prestigious event. Although the home team, Austria, secured two seventh-place finishes on the opening day, the competition showcased a diverse field of judoka from across the globe, with 59 nations and 479 competitors participating. The event, running from March 6th to March 8th, promises three days of intense action at the TipsArena Linz.
The Grand Prix Upper Austria is considered a highlight of the Austrian judo calendar and one of the country’s most prestigious sporting events. According to Judo Austria, approximately 400 of the world’s best judoka are competing for coveted World Tour medals. This year’s competition features a significant international presence, with representation from six continents.
Day One Results and Competition Overview
The first day of competition focused on several weight categories. In the women’s divisions, preliminary rounds were held for -48kg, -52kg and -57kg, while the men’s categories of -60kg and -66kg also saw preliminary action. The finals for these weight classes were held later in the day, culminating in medal presentations. Mitsuki Kondo of Japan and Romain Valadier Picard of France were among the gold medalists on the opening day, as reported by Euronews.
Specifically, Mitsuki Kondo secured gold in the -48kg category, defeating Eva Perez Soler of Spain with a clinical Tai-otoshi technique. This marks Kondo’s second Grand Prix gold medal in Upper Austria. Romain Valadier Picard of France triumphed in the -60kg division, repeating his 2023 victory with a low dropping seoi-otoshi. Iroha Oi of Japan claimed gold at -52 kg, and Ruslan Pashayev and Ayami Takano also secured gold medals for their respective countries.
Austrian Performance and Local Favorites
The Austrian team saw encouraging results on the first day, with two athletes achieving seventh-place finishes. While specific names were not immediately available, this performance signals a promising start for the host nation. Michaela Polleres, representing Austria in the -70kg category, is a notable competitor to watch on Saturday, having previously earned a silver medal at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2021 and a gold medal at the Masters Jerusalem 2022. Bernd Fasching, competing in the -81kg category, also carries strong credentials, including a silver medal at the Grand Prix Zagreb 2025 and a bronze medal at the Grand Prix Linz 2025. Judo Austria highlights these athletes as key contenders for medals.
Competition Schedule and Medal Ranking
The Grand Prix Upper Austria continues tomorrow, March 7th, with preliminary rounds in the -73kg and -81kg men’s categories, and -63kg and -70kg women’s categories. The final block will commence at 17:00 local time. Sunday, March 8th, will feature the remaining weight classes, including -90kg, -100kg, +100kg for men and -78kg, +78kg for women, culminating in the final block at 17:00.
As of the end of Day 1, Japan leads the medal ranking with 3 gold medals, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. France follows with 1 gold, 0 silver, and 1 bronze, while Azerbaijan and Spain each secured 1 gold medal. Brazil has earned 0 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. The full medal ranking is available on the IJF website.
Event Details and Ticketing Information
The competition is being held at the TipsArena Linz, located at Ziegeleistraße 76, 4020 Linz, Austria. Tickets are available for purchase, with day passes priced at 25 Euros and VIP tickets at 135 Euros. An event pass covering all three days is available for 50 Euros, while a VIP event pass costs 360 Euros. VIP tickets include access to a lounge with food and drinks, as well as premium seating. More information on ticketing and event details can be found on the Judo Austria website.
The local timezone is Europe/Vienna. Currently, no television broadcast information has been released for the event, but updates will be provided as they become available. The IJF is providing live updates and results on its website, JudoTV.com, and through its social media channels.
Looking Ahead
The Grand Prix Upper Austria is expected to draw significant attention from judo fans worldwide. The competition provides a valuable platform for athletes to earn ranking points and prepare for upcoming international events, including the Olympic Games. The remaining two days of competition promise further excitement and compelling matchups as judoka vie for medals and glory.
The next scheduled event is the continuation of the competition tomorrow, March 7th, with the preliminary and final blocks for the -73kg, -81kg, -63kg, and -70kg weight categories. Fans and followers can stay updated on the latest results and news through the official IJF website and Judo Austria’s channels.
What are your thoughts on the opening day of the Grand Prix? Share your comments and predictions below!