The Judo Grand Slam Tbilisi 2026 begins today, with preliminary rounds scheduled to start at 9:00 AM local time. The three-day competition, running from March 20th to March 22nd, will see nearly 400 athletes from 52 countries vying for top honors, according to organizers.
Friday’s competition will focus on women’s categories under 48kg, 52kg, and 57kg, and men’s categories under 60kg and 66kg. The final rounds for these weight classes are slated for 4:00 PM local time. Saturday will feature preliminary and final rounds for the women’s 63kg and 70kg categories, and the men’s 73kg and 81kg categories, following a similar schedule. The event concludes on Sunday with preliminary and final rounds for the heavier weight classes: women’s 78kg and over 78kg, and men’s 90kg, 100kg, and over 100kg.
Thirteen Russian athletes – eight men and five women – are confirmed to be participating in the tournament, as reported by the Federation of Judo of Russia. Among the Russian competitors, Abrek Naguchev will attempt to defend his title in the men’s 66kg category, while Ramazan Abdulayev, a five-time World Judo Tour winner, will also compete in the same weight class. Egor Sukhoparov will represent Russia in the men’s 81kg division. In the men’s 90kg category, both Mikhail Igolnikov, a two-time European champion, and Egor Andoni will compete.
The Tbilisi Grand Slam is considered one of the most prestigious events on the World Judo Tour. The event is being held in Tbilisi, Georgia.
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