Tashkent Grand Slam & Linz Grand Prix Set to Showcase Judo Talent
The Judo World Tour 2026 is heating up, with the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam in Uzbekistan set to begin this weekend. Following closely, the Grand Prix Upper Austria in Linz, Austria, will take place from Friday, March 6th to Sunday, March 8th.
Tashkent Grand Slam: A Global Gathering
The Tashkent Grand Slam, running from February 27th to March 1st, will host judoka from 40 countries, totaling 382 competitors – 214 men and 168 women. The event promises intense competition across various weight classes.
- Men’s Competitors: -60 kg (31), -66 kg (31), -73 kg (37), -81 kg (34), -90 kg (33), -100 kg (30), +100 kg (18)
- Women’s Competitors: -48 kg (27), -52 kg (22), -57 kg (23), -63 kg (27), -70 kg (27), -78 kg (21), +78 kg (21)
Italian Judo Team Prepares for Linz
Twenty-three Italian athletes are slated to compete at the Grand Prix Upper Austria in Linz, according to the official entry list.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans
The women’s competition will feature young talents Ilaria Finestrone
(-52 kg) and Thauany David Capanni Dias
(-57 kg). Experienced competitors Anna Iovino
and Giulia Ghiglione
(-48 kg), Silvia Pellitteri
(-57 kg), Raffaella Ciano
and Nadia Simeoli
(-63 kg), Caterina Mazzotti
and Serena Ondei
(-70 kg), Irene Caleo
(-78 kg) and Tiziana Marini
(+78 kg) will also be competing.
In the men’s division, all eyes will be on Rio 2016 Olympic champion Fabio Basile
(-73 kg), making his seasonal debut after competing at the Tokyo Grand Slam. He will be joined by Biagio D’Angelo
and Mario Tinelli
(-60 kg), Alessio De Luca
and Giuseppe De Tullio
(-66 kg), Federico Bosis
(-73 kg), Bright Maddaloni
and Antonio Esposito
(-81 kg), Cristiano Mincinesi
(-90 kg), Henry Owusu
(-100 kg), and Where are you?
(+100 kg).
Looking Ahead
The Tashkent Grand Slam and Linz Grand Prix promise thrilling judo action as athletes vie for ranking points and prepare for future competitions. The events will showcase a blend of established stars and emerging talents, solidifying the Judo World Tour 2026 as a premier showcase of the sport.
FAQ
- When is the Tashkent Grand Slam? From February 27th to March 1st, 2026.
- Where is the Linz Grand Prix held? In Linz, Austria, from March 6th to March 8th, 2026.
- How many countries are represented at the Tashkent Grand Slam? 40 countries.
- How many judoka are competing in Tashkent? 382 judoka (214 men, 168 women).
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the Judo World Tour 2026!