Judo Grand Slam Astana 2026: Italian Draw, Schedule, and the Road to Los Angeles 2028
The Judo Grand Slam Astana 2026, set to take place May 8–10 at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Kazakhstan’s capital, marks a pivotal moment for the world’s top judoka as they race toward qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Italy’s national team, buoyed by recent success at the Dushanbe Grand Slam, arrives in Astana with 20 azzurri across all weight categories, aiming to build momentum ahead of the Olympic qualification window that opens in June.
Event Overview: Dates, Venue, and Stakes
The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 is the sixth stop of the IJF World Tour and the first major tournament in Central Asia this year. With a total prize pool of €154,000, the event will feature 307 competitors from 38 countries, including world champions, Olympic medalists, and rising stars. The competition will unfold over three days, with matches scheduled across seven weight categories for men and women each day.
For Italian judoka, the stakes are high. The tournament offers a chance to earn crucial ranking points, with the top finisher in each category earning 1,000 points according to IJF rules. These points are vital for securing Olympic qualification spots, and Astana serves as a stepping stone before the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam in June, where the qualification window officially opens.
Italian Draw and Schedule: A Path Through Astana
Italy’s delegation includes a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talents, with the draw ceremony held last week setting the stage for what promises to be a grueling three-day tournament. While the full draw has not been officially released in English, sources confirm that Italian judoka will face a mix of local Kazakh competitors, European rivals, and international heavyweights.
Key Italian names to watch include:
- Women’s Categories: Federica Cauduro (-52kg), Alice Bellandi (-57kg), and Giorgia Stangherlin (-70kg), who have all shown strong form in recent competitions.
- Men’s Categories: Manuel Lombardo (-66kg), Thomas Briceño (-73kg), and Nicolò Mularoni (-81kg), who will look to build on their performances from Dushanbe.
The schedule for the tournament is as follows:
| Day | Date | Weight Categories (Men) | Weight Categories (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | May 8, 2026 | -60kg, -66kg | -48kg, -52kg, -57kg |
| Day 2 | May 9, 2026 | -73kg, -81kg | -63kg, -70kg |
| Day 3 | May 10, 2026 | -90kg, -100kg, +100kg | -78kg, +78kg |
Note: Start times for each session are yet to be confirmed by the IJF.
Why Astana Matters for the Azzurri
Astana is not just another stop on the World Tour—it’s a critical checkpoint for Italy’s judo program. The recent European Championships in April served as a litmus test, and the team’s performance there will inform their approach in Kazakhstan. With the Olympic qualification window opening in June, every point counts, and the azzurri will be looking to maximize their results in Astana.
For Italian fans, the tournament also offers a chance to see their judoka in action on the world stage. The Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, a state-of-the-art venue, will host the competition, providing a professional and competitive environment for all participants.
What’s Next: Ulaanbaatar and Beyond
Following Astana, the World Tour moves to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for the next Grand Slam from June 19–21. This tournament will be the first official window for Olympic qualification, and the results from Astana will play a significant role in determining seeding and matchups. Italian judoka will need to maintain their form and build on their Astana performances to secure a spot in the Olympic Games.
For now, all eyes are on Astana. The draw is set, the venue is ready, and the azzurri are preparing to make their mark on the mat.
Key Takeaways
- The Judo Grand Slam Astana 2026 takes place May 8–10 at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Kazakhstan.
- Italy sends 20 judoka to compete across all weight categories, aiming to earn crucial Olympic qualification points.
- The tournament features 307 competitors from 38 countries and a total prize pool of €154,000.
- Key Italian judoka include Federica Cauduro, Alice Bellandi, Manuel Lombardo, Thomas Briceño, and Nicolò Mularoni.
- The next major tournament is the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam in June, where Olympic qualification officially begins.
Follow the action from Astana as the azzurri take on the world’s best. For official updates, visit the IJF event page or the European Judo Union for schedules and streaming details.
What are your predictions for Italy’s performance in Astana? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
