From 4 to 11 October 2026, the World Judo Championships among seniors will be held in Baku. The world championships, where the strongest judokas in the world will compete, will take place at the National Gymnastics Arena.
The World Championships among men and women will last for 8 days. Renowned judokas from different countries of the world will step onto the tatami to compete for medals, world ranking points, and ranking positions leading to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The participation of leading judokas of the world is expected at the championships, including Aghayev Balabay (Azerbaijan), Yusifov Ahmad (Azerbaijan), Bliev Ayub (Russia), Nagayama Ryuju (Japan), Mkheidze Luka (France), Sardalashvili Giorgi (Georgia), Abe Hifumi (Japan), Takeoka Takeshi (Japan), Chopanov Murad (Russia), Smetov Yeldos (Kazakhstan), Pashayev Ruslan (Azerbaijan), Gaba Joan-Benjamin (France), Lavrentev Danil (Russia), Shavdatuashvili Lasha (Georgia), Ishihara Tatsuki (Japan), Heydarov Hidayat (Azerbaijan), Oino Yuhei (Japan), Arbuzov Timur (Russia), Tckaev Zelim (Azerbaijan), Makhmadbekov Somon (Tajikistan), Grigalashvili Tato (Georgia), Murao Sanshiro (Japan), Bekauri Lasha (Georgia), Maisuradze Luka (Georgia), Kotsoiev Zelym (Azerbaijan), Arai Dota (Japan), Tasoev Inal (Russia), Riner Teddy (France), Krpalek Lukas (Czech Republic), Sulamanidze Ilia (Georgia), Babulfath Tara (Sweden), Boukli Shirine (France), Koga Wakana (Japan), Abe Uta (Japan), Krasniqi Distria (Kosovo), Tamaoki Momo (Japan), Cysique Sarah Leonie (France), Liparteliani Eteri (Georgia), Silva Rafaela (Brazil), Kaju Haruka (Japan), Tanaka Shiho (Japan), Bellandi Alice (Italy), Olek Anna Monta (Germany), and Dicko Romane (France).
Competition programme
Individual competitions will be held from 4 to 10 October. On 11 October, the mixed team competition will take place. The opening ceremony of the championships will be held on 5 October.
4 October
Men: -60 kg
Women: -48 kg
5 October
Opening ceremony
Men: -66 kg
Women: -52 kg
6 October
Men: -73 kg
Women: -57 kg
7 October
Men: -81 kg
Women: -63 kg
8 October
Men: -90 kg
Women: -70 kg
9 October
Men: -100 kg
Women: -78 kg
10 October
Men: +100 kg
Women: +78 kg
11 October
Mixed team competition
In the mixed team competition, each team consists of 3 female and 3 male judokas. The contests are held across 6 weight categories:
Women: -57 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg
Men: -73 kg, -90 kg, +90 kg
In each team contest, the first team to achieve 4 victories is declared the winner.
Entertainment programme
As part of the World Championships, a special music and entertainment programme will also be organised for spectators on competition days. Well-known Azerbaijani performers and music groups will take the stage on different days.
Concert programme starts at 17:00
4 October — Murad Arif
6 October — Orkhan Zeynalli
7 October — Mardan Kazimov
8 October — Azad Shabanov
9 October — Ayaz Babayev
10 October — Darvish Band
11 October — Rilaya
Ticket information
Tickets can be purchased online through the iTicket.az website, as well as from various ticket offices across the city. On competition days, ticket sales will also be available at the ticket offices of the National Gymnastics Arena.
Do not miss this opportunity to watch the decisive contests of the world’s best judokas live and experience an unforgettable sporting atmosphere.
The doors for spectators’ entry to the arena will be open from 09:00.
