Tomorrow, Astana will welcome the start of the prestigious Grand Slam Judo Tournament, drawing over 400 judokas from 49 countries. Among the participants are numerous high-profile athletes, including Olympic and World Champions.

The capital of Kazakhstan has already received two-time Olympic champion Takanori Nagase (Japan), Rio 2016 Olympic gold medalist Rafaela Silva (Brazil), reigning Olympic champion Beatriz Souza (Brazil), as well as Kazakhstan’s own pride — Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Gusman Kyrgyzbayev, among many others. This tournament is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the world of judo — and rightfully so.

According to competition rules, the host country is allowed to field up to four athletes in each weight category. This presents a valuable opportunity for Kazakhstan to give competitive exposure to younger athletes while earning crucial points in the IJF world ranking, which are instrumental for Olympic qualification.

The tournament will also feature a special appearance by none other than Yeldos Smetov — not as a competitor, but as a guest of honor. For fans, it’s a rare chance to meet and take photos with one of Kazakhstan’s most celebrated sports legends.

Victories at the Grand Slam earn 1,000 ranking points, with second and third places awarding 700 and 500 points, respectively — a significant boost for athletes aiming to make their mark on the international stage.

This event serves as the final stop on the IJF World Tour calendar before the World Championships, offering the national coaching staff a prime opportunity to assess the form and readiness of their athletes under high-stakes conditions.

The competition will take place at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace and will be broadcast live on the national sports channel Qazsport. Admission is free — a perfect opportunity for Kazakhstani fans to witness global judo stars in action, right here at home.