The Italian judo team has been confirmed to send 21 athletes to the Grand Slam Judo Ulaanbaatar 2026, according to a statement from the Italian Judo Federation (Fij). The event, scheduled for March 2026 in Mongolia’s capital, will feature the world’s top judoka competing across seven weight categories. The Italian delegation includes both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, with the squad set to face challenges from Japan, France, and Russia, who traditionally dominate international judo rankings.
The Fij’s selection process, completed in late 2025, prioritized athletes who demonstrated strong performances in the 2025 World Judo Championships and continental qualifiers. Among the confirmed athletes is 2024 European champion Matteo Vicari, who will compete in the men’s -90kg category. Vicari’s inclusion highlights Italy’s focus on securing podium finishes, particularly in weight classes where the country has historically excelled.
What is the Grand Slam Judo Ulaanbaatar 2026?
The Grand Slam Judo series, organized by the International Judo Federation (IJF), is one of the most prestigious tournaments outside the Olympic Games. Ulaanbaatar’s 2026 edition marks the first time the event will be held in Mongolia, a nation with growing influence in judo due to its strong grassroots programs. The tournament will take place at the Ulanbaatar Sports Palace, a venue that has hosted regional competitions but not a Grand Slam event of this scale.
The 2026 edition will follow the standard Grand Slam format: athletes compete in seven weight classes (three men’s, four women’s), with winners earning 1,000 IJF ranking points. The event’s significance is amplified by its proximity to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as results will influence qualification strategies for the next Games.
Who are the Italian athletes competing?
The Italian squad includes 11 men and 10 women, with notable names such as 2023 World Championship silver medalist Ilaria Usai (women’s -70kg) and rising star Luca Tavani (men’s -66kg). The team’s composition reflects a balance between experience and youth, with five athletes under 23 years old selected for the first time.
Among the veterans, 34-year-old Alessio Faraone (men’s -81kg) brings a wealth of international experience, having won multiple Grand Slam medals. His presence is critical for mentorship, as the team’s average age is 26.5, the youngest in Italy’s judo history. The Fij’s technical director, Giuseppe Sodano, emphasized the importance of “young athletes pushing boundaries while respecting the sport’s traditions.”
How can fans watch the Grand Slam Judo Ulaanbaatar 2026?
Live coverage of the event will be available through sport2u.tv, a digital platform specializing in martial arts content. The broadcast schedule, confirmed by the IJF, includes daily sessions from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Ulaanbaatar Time (UTC+8). Fans in Europe and North America can tune in via the platform’s streaming service, with replays available for those unable to watch live.
Sport2u.tv’s partnership with the IJF ensures high-quality production, including multiple camera angles and expert commentary. The platform also offers a “Judo Hub” feature, allowing viewers to track athlete profiles, historical performances, and real-time rankings. For Italian fans, the broadcast will include Italian-language commentary for key matches involving the national team.
Why does this event matter for Italian judo?
The Grand Slam Judo Ulaanbaatar 2026 represents a pivotal moment for Italy’s judo program, which has struggled to maintain its pre-2010 dominance. Since the 2012 London Olympics, Italy has not secured a gold medal at a Grand Slam event, a gap the 2026 squad aims to close. The tournament’s location in Mongolia adds strategic value, as the country’s judo federation has invested heavily in athlete development, creating a competitive environment for international teams.
For the Italian team, success in Ulaanbaatar could boost their Olympic qualification prospects. The IJF’s ranking system awards 1,000 points for a Grand Slam victory, a significant advantage for athletes aiming to secure a spot in the 2028 Games. The Fij has already outlined a “two-phase strategy”: prioritize podium finishes in 2026 to build momentum, then focus on long-term development for the next Olympic cycle.
What are the key challenges for the Italian team?
The Italian squad faces stiff competition from Japan’s “Judo Dynasty,” which has
