-48 kg: A Clash of World-Class Contenders
With Abiba Abuzhakynova absent from the line-up, it is Shirine Boukli (FRA) who arrives in Tashkent as the top seed. Fresh from a superb victory at the Paris Grand Slam just weeks ago, Boukli enters full of confidence and momentum. When she finds her rhythm, the French judoka is capable of dominating the category.
Yet the road to gold will be anything but straightforward. Reigning world champion Assunta Scutto (ITA) remains a constant threat and will be eager to assert her authority on the World Judo Tour once again. Paris bronze medallist Xinran Hui (CHN) represents the strength of the new Chinese generation and cannot be underestimated.
Guadalajara Grand Prix winner Maria Cella Laborde (USA) brings experience and tactical sharpness, while Olympic and world medallist Tara Babulfath (SWE) returns ready to challenge the hierarchy. With depth, pedigree and ambition throughout the draw, the -48 kg category promises intensity and fireworks from the very first contest.
-60 kg: A Title Within Reach
Michel Augusto (BRA) continues his quest for a first grand slam gold. A finalist from previous meeting in Tbilisi, he will see Tashkent as a genuine opportunity. However, Paris Grand Slam champion Balabay Aghayev (AZE) has already shown that he is the man to beat in 2026.
Asian champion and Tokyo Grand Slam finalist Taiki Nakamura (JPN) will aim to disrupt the hierarchy, bringing Japanese precision and tactical sharpness to the tatami. Behind this leading trio the field is open and several contenders will be ready to seize their moment.
-52 kg: Experience Meets Consistency
Since early 2025, Mascha Ballhaus (GER) has been a model of consistency, finishing on the podium regularly. It is no surprise that she enters Tashkent as the top seed. After taking bronze in Paris, she will look to go one step further in Uzbekistan.
At 31, 2024 world champion and double Olympic medallist Odette Giuffrida (ITA) remains a formidable presence and could well make this Olympic cycle her own. Japan’s Kokoro Fujishiro, already a four-time grand slam medallist, is another strong contender. In a category of depth, ranking points and podium places will be contested fiercely.
-66 kg: The Return Everyone Is Waiting For
Tajikistan arrives in force, with world silver medallist Nurali Emomali and world bronze medallist Obid Dzhebov occupying the top two seeding positions. Both have proven their ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Yet much of the spotlight will fall on the return of double Olympic champion Hifumi Abe (JPN). He closed 2025 with gold at home and remains one of the most dominant figures in the category. Remarkably, aside from his bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships, his last defeat on the World Judo Tour dates back to 2019. Can he reaffirm his authority in Tashkent? The answer will be one of the key storylines of the day.
-57 kg: An Historic Champion Leads the Field
The women’s -57 kg category will be equally compelling. Georgia’s Eteri Liparteliani, the first female world champion in her country’s history, enters as the number one seed and a clear reference point in the draw.
France’s Faiza Mokdar, third in Paris earlier this month, will aim to add a third grand slam title to her résumé. Croatia’s Ana Viktorija Puljiz, twice a grand slam finalist, continues her search for a first gold medal at this level. Behind them, opportunities abound in a division where momentum can shift rapidly.
Day one in Tashkent promises intensity, ambition and world-class judo. Follow all the action live on JudoTV as the World Judo Tour continues its journey in Uzbekistan.