The Judo Grand Slam is set to take place in Astana from May 9-11 as a precursor to the World Championships to be held in June.
The top judokas of the world will feature in the event in a city that has traditionally been associated with the sport.
Judo Grand Slam Kazakhstan 2025: Athletes to watch
Japan’s Nagase Takanori, the reigning Olympic champion in the -81kg category, will headline the field. He returns to action for the first time since clinching his second Olympic gold last year in Paris. This is the same venue, where he became champion 10 years ago. The 32-year-old will be looking for his eighth Grand Slam title.
Lee Joonhwan of the Republic of Korea, who won bronze in the Paris Olympics, is set to give a stiff competition to the Japanese. The Korean judoka has already bested Nagase twice, giving him a 2–1 lead in their head-to-head history.
Brazil’s Beatriz Souza, who recently won continental gold, returns on the tatami. She will be looking to bag her first grand slam title.
Korean rising star Lee Hyeonji, a junior world champion, and a Grand Slam medallist in Paris is one of the athletes to look for. With eyes on LA 2028, the teen sensation is raring to go at Judo Grand Slam in Astana.
The home challenge will be led by Abiba Abuzhakynova, the Kazakh star in the -48kg category. She is a three-time world champion and nine-time Grand Slam podium finisher. However, a grand slam gold is still missing from her cabinet. She features in Astana as the top seed. Winning a grand slam gold in front of the home crowd will be a perfect way start the next Olympic cycle.
Also Read: Judo Paris Grand Slam 2025: Judokas With New Weight Categories; Schedule, Rules
Judo Grand Slam Kazakstan 2025: Schedule
9 May
- Men: -60kg, -66kg
- Women: -48kg, -52kg, -57kg
10 May
- Men: -73kg, -81kg
- Women: -63kg, -70kg
11 May
- Men: -90kg, -100kg, +100kg
