From 27 February to 1 March, the capital of Uzbekistan hosted one of the premier events on the international judo calendar, as 370 athletes from 39 nations gathered in Tashkent for the OTP Group Grand Slam 2026.
A star-studded Japanese squad dominated the medal table, securing four gold medals through Fujishiro, Tanioka, Abe and Sone to claim the overall team title. Azerbaijan finished second, while host nation Uzbekistan celebrated a strong third-place finish on home soil.
Judo has rapidly become one of the most popular sports in Uzbekistan, reflecting both the country’s social fabric and growing state support. The sport enjoys visible backing at the highest political level, reinforcing its role not only as a competitive discipline but also as a pillar of national pride and international engagement.
The opening ceremony began with a speech by Sports Minister Adkham Ikramov, who welcomed distinguished guests including Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Sports, the sporting community and the National Olympic Committee, I warmly welcome you to Tashkent and to the Judo Grand Slam,” Ikramov said. “It is a great honour for us to host one of the most prestigious events in the global judo calendar. These days, Tashkent has become the centre of the judo world, with more than 370 athletes from 40 countries competing here.”
He emphasised that judo goes beyond sport, describing it as a leading force in sports diplomacy that brings people together across borders, languages and differences.
“This sport creates a space based on respect and equality, where representatives of all countries compete under the same rules and shared principles of fairness,” he said. “Uzbekistan deeply values these ideals. We share this spirit of openness and mutual respect with you and are proud to host the global judo family in Tashkent.”
Ikramov also underlined the importance of sustained governmental support, thanking President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his continued attention to the development of sport. According to the minister, Uzbekistan’s judo system now encompasses more than 30,000 athletes and over 1,000 coaches nationwide.
IJF President Marius Vizer then officially declared the Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 open, praising the country’s investment in sport after visiting the Olympic Centre earlier in the day.
“I can honestly say this is an Olympic centre of international level in terms of standards, investment, commitment and the support it provides to Uzbek and international sport,” Vizer said.
He congratulated the Uzbek government, the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sport and the national judo federation for delivering what he described as a magnificent project that strengthens the global sporting community.
Marius Vizer also struck a reflective tone, referring to the many conflicts affecting the world today.
“In these difficult and turbulent days, the judo family remains united, cooperating and working side by side,” he said. “Thank you to all countries, all athletes and the entire judo community for staying united and serving as a model to the world in unity, friendship and peace. By supporting judo, you support peace. Judo supports peace.”
The ceremony concluded with a vibrant cultural performance featuring male artists dressed in traditional attire performing the Andijan polka, bringing colour, rhythm and excitement to the arena.
The atmosphere on opening day was charged with energy and widely regarded as unique in character, blending elite competition with a powerful display of cultural pride and international solidarity.
