“Judo will continue to expand all its activities in collaboration with the Chinese Judo Association. Once again, we emphasize that judo is a sport of peace, striving to bring nations closer together,” said Marius Vizer in a note of appreciation to the organizers of the Qingdao Grand Prix.

The IJF President, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in world sport and the Olympic movement, is well aware of China’s strategic importance in Asia. Beyond major state-backed investments in sports infrastructure, globally recognized companies, and above all a population of more than one billion, China represents a market for judo that cannot be ignored.

While the IJF World Tour spans every continent, events in Asia and Europe carry a particular intensity and prestige, giving them a distinctive edge compared to other stops on the circuit.

That context made Qingdao’s return to the calendar after six years especially significant. From September 26 to 28, athletes from 26 nations across five continents competed in the three-day event. Japan finished on top of the medal table with five gold medals, followed by Mongolia with two. France secured third place, while host nation China came fifth with one gold, two silvers, and three bronzes.

Marius Vizer – Qingdao Grand Prix 2025

China’s standout moment came from Wenna Zhuang, silver medalist at the World University Championships, who delivered the host nation’s only gold in the women’s -48kg category.

For Japan, Hayato Kondo claimed his first-ever World Tour gold in the men’s -60kg category at just 24 years old. Yudai Tanaka added another in the -73kg class, overcoming Uzbekistan’s Shakhrom Ahadov in the final.

The men’s -81kg showdown produced one of the tournament’s most thrilling moments. Yoshito Hojo faced China’s Xinglong Cha, who had the passionate backing of the home crowd. Despite the electric atmosphere, Cha settled for silver, with Hojo taking gold for Japan.

On the women’s side, Japan leaned on experience. Rin Takeuchi won the -52kg category, while Momo Tamaoki continued her strong run of form in 2025. She defeated a Chinese opponent in the -57kg final, adding to the gold she captured at the Baku Grand Slam in February.