As the Tajik capital was preparing for the 2026 edition of the now annual grand slam, the draw took place just prior to the first day of competition. Present at the draw for the IJF were Education and Coaching Director Mr Mohamed Meridja, Sport Director Mr Kosei Inoue and Referee Director Ms Tina Trstenjak.
For the hosts, Tajikistan Judo Federation Vice President Mr Ergash Makhmadbekov, Tajikistan Olympic Committee Vice President Mr Dilshod Nazarov, and world and Olympic medallist Mr Rasul Boqiev, were present.
IJF Education and Coaching Director Mr Mohamed Meridja opened proceedings with welcome address, “Dear guests, dear judo family, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Tajikistan and the city of Dushanbe. On behalf of IJF President Marius Vizer, I would like to express the warmest welcome to officials, coaches and athletes to this grand slam in Dushanbe. I take this opportunity to thank the Tajikistan Judo Federation for their effort and all contributions to the success of this event. Also I thank our sponsors and media partners for the constant collaboration. We wish TJF good luck and assure them of our full support. We wish all guest and the whole judo family a great time in Dushanbe. Good luck.”
Tajikistan Judo Federation Vice President Mr Ergash Makhmadbekov then gave his speech, “Greetings Mr Meridja, distinguished members of the judo family, honourable guests and esteemed attendees. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the city of peace and youth, in the capital of our beloved country, Dushanbe. Today we host the prestigious grand slam proudly, as a part of the World Judo Tour.
First and foremost I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership, staff and experts of the International Judo Federation, especially their leader Mr Marius Vizer, for their trust and support, and for providing this opportunity to host distinguished competitions in the Republic of Tajikistan.
This tournament, organised with the support of the Executive Authority of the city of Dushanbe and the IJF, brings together athletes and official delegations from many countries around the world. This important event contributes to the strengthening of friendships, fostering mutual respect and expanding the mutual co-operation of people through sport."
"It is a great honour for me, on behalf of our federation president, Mr Ismoil Mahmadzoir, to extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you to the beautiful and sunny city of Dushanbe and to today’s event. We are proud that the world’s finest judoka are competing here. We hope it will be a memorable event for competitors, guests and judo enthusiasts alike. With sincerity and respect I wish good health and strong spirit to all participants and congratulate them all. We wish you health and wellbeing.”
Following the welcome speeches there was a special announcement, make by draw MC Mr Sheldon Franco-Rooks, “This year’s World Judo Masters will take place from 18th to 20th December right here in Dushanbe.” An energising promotional video was then played, reminding judo fans of the incredible atmosphere always present in Dushanbe. Video promo.
“Back to the matter in hand, this year’s edition of the grand slam, and we hand over to IJF Referee Director Ms Tina Trstenjak.” Tina Trstanjak then spoke about the referees present in Dushanbe, “In the name of the IJF Referee Commission we have the pleasure of presenting a selection of the best referees, along with two referee directors and 3 supervisors, in order to deliver fair and high quality refereeing. We wish all participants the best of luck. Thank you.”
IJF Sport Director Mr Kosei Inoue then led the practical part of the draw procedure with support from the IJF IT team, “It is a pleasure to be here in Dushanbe for this grand slam. Let’s start with the draw overview; we have 240 judoka from 34 countries present.”
With the draw and the first weigh-in completed, there is only one thing left to do and that is enjoy the atmosphere and the judo at Qasri Tennis in Dushanbe.