Ippon will certainly be the ultimate goal, but there is far more at stake than medals and glory. From the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026 onwards, every point earned will count towards qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The long road to the Olympic stage has officially begun.
This was the message delivered by Mr Florin Daniel Lascau, IJF Education Director, during the draw ceremony, "It is a pleasure and an honour to extend sincere best wishes to you from our president, Mr Marius Vizer. This 2026 edition of the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam opens the qualification period for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. We have no fewer than ten current world or Olympic champions present in Mongolia this year. We wish all participants a successful weekend."
The level of competition is indeed exceptional. A total of 454 athletes from 58 nations across all five continents will fight for titles, medals and precious Olympic qualification points. The preliminary rounds will begin daily at 9:30 a.m., with the final block and medal contests beginning at 5 p.m. local time.
Welcoming the international judo family to Mongolia, Mr Bat-Erdene Baldangombo, State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Youth and Tourism of Mongolia, said, "Dear athletes, coaches, referees, official representatives, judo enthusiasts and supporters, it is with immense pride and heartfelt enthusiasm that we welcome you all to the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026, hosted once again in Mongolia. Since its debut in 2022, the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam has grown steadily in scale and prestige. Today, we are delighted to bring this prestigious event back to our country, reaffirming our commitment to hosting world-class judo competitions and celebrating the spirit of Olympism."
He continued, "We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners at the International Judo Federation for their steadfast support and collaboration in making this high-profile event possible. To all athletes competing at the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026, I wish you success, fair play and memorable experiences both on and off the tatami."
Present at the official draw on behalf of the International Judo Federation were also Mr Mohammed Meridja, Education and Coaching Director, and Mr Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Head Referee Director. Present representing the host nation were Mr Batgerel Battsetseg, Secretary General of the Mongolian Judo Association, and Mr Bilegt Erdenesaikhan, Chair of the State Committee of Physical Culture and Sports of Mongolia.
A glimpse at the first categories entering the competition leaves no doubt that the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam will offer world-class judo from the opening ‘hajime.’ In the -60 kg category, world number one Balabay Aghayev (AZE) will face a formidable field including double Olympic medallist Luka Mkheidze (FRA). At -66 kg, Japan has sent its 2025 world champion Takeshi Takeoka.
Among the women, the -48 kg category will feature world and Olympic medallist Shirine Boukli (FRA). At -52 kg, Mascha Ballhaus (GER), Odette Giuffrida (ITA) and Roza Gyertyás (HUN) are among the favourites, but the presence of Tokyo Olympic champion and reigning world champion Abe Uta (JPN) means nothing can be taken for granted. At -57 kg, Timna Nelson Levy (ISR) arrives in excellent form, while the French duo of Faiza Mokdar and Sarah-Léonie Cysique will also play to their ambitions.
These names are only a slice of what awaits us over the weekend and what judo fans around the world will be able to follow on all IJF platforms, especially the live transmission on JudoTV.
They are also a reflection of the intense level we have witnessed since the beginning of the season, even before the Olympic qualification period was launched. In less than 24 hours, the tatami will provide the first answers and reveal the athletes who are ready to make themselves serious contenders on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
The journey has begun. The dream is alive. The race for Olympic glory is underway.