Judo Baku Grand Slam 2025: Top Contenders, Schedule

The new season’s World Judo Tour picks up pace as the best judokas of the world arrive in Baku, Azerbaijan for yet another edition of Grand Slam.

The Judo Baku Grand Slam will be held from 14-16 February in the capital city of Azerbaijan. Participants will get the opportunity to collect crucial ranking points for securing a spot at the 2025 World Judo Championships.

The new Judo cycle provides a chance for the athletes to start afresh. From seasoned champions reclaiming their dominance to young contenders making their mark, Baku is set to be a proving ground for all.

Judo Baku Grand Slam 2025: Stars to watch

Women

-52kg

Japan’s Abe Uta, the five-time world champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist, returns to the big stage after a shocking defeat in Paris losing out her title to Uzbekistan’s Diyora Keldiyorova. In Baku, Abe has a chance to redeem herself and reclaim her top spot.

Judo Baku Grand Slam 2025: Top Title Contenders — Abe Uta Image: Getty

-48kgs

Japan’s Olympic champion Tsunoda Natsumi and Sweden’s Tara Babulfath, seeded one and two, respectively, are the top contenders in this category at the Judo Baku Grand Slam. In what could be a reimagining of the decisive Olympic semi-final, both jodokas are sure to give their best.

-63kg

Canada’s Jessica Klimkait returns to the tatami one weight class higher. The 2021 world champion and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist will appear in a new devision of -63kg and Baku will be a testing water for her.

Men

-90kg

Kim Jonghoon of the Republic of Korea is looking to carry forward his momentum from the Paris Grand Slam where he dominated some of the category’s best a week ago. Olympic silver medallist Murao Sanshiro and bronze medallist Theodoros Tselidis will not make it easy for Jonghoon.

-100kg

Home favourite Elmar Gasimov, who has not competed since 2022, is returning onto the tatami with a wealth of experience. The Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalist will be looking to prove that age is just a number at 35.

Also Read: IJF Updates Judo Rules Ahead of 2028 Olympic Cycle: Know Details