Already the fourth event of the season, clear trends are beginning to emerge and, step by step, the athletes in top form are revealing themselves. By the end of the weekend, the picture will become even clearer, before the World Judo Tour pauses until early May to allow each continent to host its respective continental championships.
The official draw of the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 took place today under the auspices of the International Judo Federation. Representing the IJF were Mr Vladimir Barta, Head Sport Director, Mr Raul Camacho, Referee Director, and Ms Tina Trstenjak, Referee Director. Representing the Georgian side were Mr Levan Nozadze, President of the Georgian Judo Federation, Mr Zura Bakradze, Head of the Sport Department at the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Georgia, and Ms Eteri Liparteliani, the first ever Georgian female world champion.
Mr Barta said, “Welcome to the official draw of the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026. On behalf of IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, I am pleased to welcome all delegations to this grand slam, following the successful tournaments held since the start of the World Judo Tour season.
Georgia is a true judo nation, home to great champions who give this event a special flavour, combining popularity with intensity. This year, once again, we will enjoy this incredible atmosphere. Our judo family gathers in Tbilisi for what is one of the major stops on the circuit. With almost 400 judoka from more than 50 countries, we are set to witness an outstanding competition.
I would like to thank the organisers, as well as Georgian Judo Federation President Mr Levan Nozadze and his team for their hospitality and professionalism. I wish all participants the very best of luck for the three days of competition ahead.”
Mr Levan Nozadze declared, “Dear colleagues, honoured guests and friends, I would like to thank the International Judo Federation and its President Mr Marius Vizer, and his great team, for giving us the opportunity to host the Tbilisi Grand Slam in our capital city once again.
It is a great honour and I hope that everyone will feel our hospitality and friendly atmosphere. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Sport of Georgia and our partners and sponsors, as well as the Georgian Judo Federation team for organising this event in co-operation with the IJF.
I hope that every moment of this tournament will take place with respect for judo and its values. I wish all participants great success and the very best results.”
Georgia has been a judo nation for decades. Its list of world and Olympic medallists, as well as other major titles at the highest level, is both rich and impressive.
The year 2025 marked an historic turning point, with two landmark achievements: Eteri Liparteliani becoming the first Georgian woman to win a world title and Georgia claiming victory in the mixed team event at the world championships. These results go far beyond performance alone. They represent a lasting and powerful statement of Georgian judo on the world stage.
The draw has been made. The anticipation is building. Now, it is time for the action to begin. On day 1 the competition will begin at 10:00 local time and on day 2 and 3 at 10:30, the final block being held every day at 17:00. The opening ceremony will take place on day 1 at 16:30.
Follow all the action live on all our platforms and on JudoTV.com and remember to join us at the end of each day for our round-up programme Golden Score.