To welcome the world of judo to Kazakhstan, at the event’s official draw, the IJF were represented by IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta, Education Director Mr Florin Daniel Lascau, Referee Director Mr Raul Camacho Perez.
For the organisers in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Judo Federation Vice Presidents Dr Askhat Zhitkeyev, Mr Yerzhan Zaidinov and Mr Ali Khamkhoyev were present.
IJF Education Director Mr Lascau opened proceedings, “Dear judo family, we are honoured to be here today with our colleagues from the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, their Vice-Presidents, Dr Askhat Zhitkeyev, Mr Yerzhan Zaidinov and Mr Ali Khamkhoyev. On behalf of International Judo Federation President Mr Marius Vizer and the IJF, we extend a warm welcome to Astana. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kazakhstan Judo Federation and its president Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev for their unwavering commitment, passion and dedication to delivering events of the highest organisational standard.
This event brings our global judo family together from every corner of the world, united by shared values, to witness the very best judoka compete in front of a passionate and loyal public that fills the Zhaksylik Ushkempirov Martial Art Palace year after year.
A special and sincere thank you to all our member national federations and sponsors for their continued trust and support. We
wish everyone a wonderful weekend and an unforgettable celebration of world-class judo.”
Dr Askhat Zhitkeyev then offered his own speech on behalf of the host federation, “Dear Judo family, dear Mr Vladimir Barta, Mr Raul Camacho, Mr Daniel Lascau, welcome to Astana and thank you for being here today for the draw ceremony of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026.
For Kazakhstan, it is a great honour to host this tournament for the fourth time. Year by year, this tournament has grown bigger and stronger, and for us it has become much more than just a competition. It is a symbol of our love for judo, our respect for this sport and our commitment to world-class organisation. Over the years, we have learned a lot, we have grown, and today we are proud that Kazakhstan holds an important place on the world judo map.
Next year will be very special for Kazakhstan as Astana will host the World Judo Championships for the second time. We are already preparing for this important event and we will do our best to organise it at the highest level. We look forward to welcoming the global judo family back to our capital next year, creating another unforgettable chapter in the history of our sport, together.
I wish all athletes the best of luck and a strong performance in Astana. Thank you very much.”
With the conclusion of the welcome speeches, Mr Camacho noted the very high standard of refereeing that will be provided by a careful selection of experienced IJF referees, here to deliver with consistency and transparency. Then the mechanics of the draw were underway, conducted by Mr Vladimir Barta.
The draw marks the true beginning of the 2026 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam and so now the delegations can make their final preparations, ready to give their best performances in the last World Judo Tour event before the Olympic Games qualification period opens in Mongolia in just a few weeks from now.
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