BAKU TAKES TO THE TATAMI

Azerbaijan is working hard to prepare for the World Judo Championships for adults, which will take place from 4 to 11 October 2026, in terms of both infrastructure and the athletes’ tactical and physical training. This tournament, one of the most prestigious on the International Judo Federation (IJF) calendar, will also be the first official World Championships at which ranking points will be awarded on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

A new race with new rules

More than 600 judokas from over 100 countries will take part in the competition, competing both individually and in mixed team events. Following the successful staging of this prestigious tournament in 2018, the capital of Azerbaijan is once again undertaking extensive preparations to welcome an even greater number of athletes and the world’s top judo stars.

From an organisational perspective, the unveiling of the tournament’s official logo, a well-planned ticketing strategy and the operational readiness of the National Gymnastics Arena all indicate that Baku will once again demonstrate high standards in hosting the competition. From a sporting perspective, the arrival of the world’s judo giants from Japan and France will present Azerbaijani judokas not only with a serious test of their abilities, but also with an opportunity to capitalise on the psychological advantage of being the tournament hosts.

The World Championships will not be decided by physical strength alone: victory will go to those athletes who adapt more quickly than others to the new rule changes introduced by the IJF. As this is the first official championship at which ranking points required for qualification for the 2028 Olympics will be awarded, all teams will arrive on the Baku tatami with new tactics.

It is no secret that the rule changes introduced following the 2024 Paris Olympics will present a new challenge for judokas. The reintroduction of the yuko score into judo terminology has expanded the opportunities for scoring points. Now, touching the tatami with one’s side (at a 90-degree angle) or even with one buttock—right or left—results in a yuko being awarded to the opponent, even if the athlete is leaning on an elbow or a hand. This rule puts judokas who rely on passive defence in a difficult position.

Teams with elite squads

The Japanese and French teams, considered the favourites for the competition, have already announced their squads. Japan, the home of judo, will be represented in the individual events by 18 judokas—nine men and nine women—across all weight categories. The team includes two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Hifumi Abe (-66 kg), Olympic champion and five-time world champion Uta Abe (-52 kg), Olympic champion Akira Sone (+78 kg), as well as world champions Ryuju Nagayama (-60 kg), Takeshi Takeoka (-66 kg), Sanshiro Murao (-90 kg), Haruka Kaju (-63 kg) and Shiho Tanaka (-70 kg).

France is sending 17 judokas to Baku—eight men and nine women. The team will compete in five men’s and six women’s weight categories. The most famous figure in the squad is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of judo, Teddy Riner (+100 kg). The five-time Olympic champion, 12-time world champion and five-time European heavyweight champion will once again take to the tatami in Baku in pursuit of yet another title.

The composition of the Azerbaijani national team can already be predicted to a certain extent. Barring any injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, the participation of a number of athletes is virtually certain. Balabey Aghayev and Ahmed Yusifov (both up to 60 kg), Ruslan Pashayev (66 kg), Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg), Zelim Tskayev (81 kg), Murad Fatiyev (90 kg) and Zelim Kotsayev (100 kg) are expected to compete on the Baku tatami.

Given that the maximum squad size is nine athletes, there is particular interest in who will take the remaining two places. Contenders for these spots include Turan Bayramov (66 kg), Rashid Mammadaliyev (73 kg), Omar Rajabli (81 kg) and Eljan Hajiyev (90 kg). In the heaviest weight category, the coaching staff will have to choose between three judokas: Kanan Nasibov, Ushanga Kokauri and Jamal Gamethanov.

Final squad after Budapest

Azerbaijan’s head coach, Richard Trautmann, has stated that the final squad will be announced after the Grand Slam tournament in Budapest, which takes place from 11 to 13 September.

“As I have already noted, we have athletes returning to action after injuries, and it is extremely important for them to compete. There are only nine places available for the national team at the World Championships, so the competition is very fierce. The athletes are competing not only for top form in their weight categories, but also for the right to make the final squad. As a result, Azerbaijan will be represented at the World Championships by nine judokas who are currently in peak condition.”

“To make a final decision, we need to wait for the results of the Grand Slam tournament in Budapest. This applies in particular to the weight categories up to 66, 81 and 90 kg. In short, once the tournament in Hungary is over, the squad for the World Championships will be finalised,” he said.

The World Judo Championships are often considered even more challenging than the Olympic Games. This is because, whilst at the Olympics each country may be represented by only one athlete in each weight category, at the World Championships some countries are permitted to enter two judokas in the same weight category. As a result, the world’s leading teams are able to field their two strongest athletes in a single weight category, which undoubtedly makes the path to medals and victory considerably more difficult.

Currently, three athletes in Azerbaijani judo hold the title of world champion. Following in the footsteps of Elkhan Mammadov, Zelim Kotsoyev and Hidayat Heydarov have also reached the pinnacle of the sport. Let us hope that Baku will witness not only further victories for Hidayat and Zelim, but also outstanding performances from new champions.