Abu Dhabi’s mubadala Arena will host the world’s elite judokas this weekend for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Judo, a key event on the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) World Tour.The three-day competition, beginning today, features 373 athletes representing 52 nations, all vying for a share of the €154,000 prize pool and, critically, Olympic qualification points for the upcoming Los Angeles Games. Following a successful World Championship event in the city last year, the tournament underscores the UAE’s growing prominence as a global hub for the sport.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Judo 2025 kicks off this morning at the Mubadala Arena, promising a thrilling competition as the world’s top judokas converge in the United Arab Emirates.
The tournament, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of the Al Ain Region, and overseen by the International Judo Federation, has attracted 373 athletes from 52 nations. Japan’s national team, fresh off their World Championship title win in Abu Dhabi 2024, is among the favorites. A total of €154,000 in prize money, along with commemorative awards and crucial qualification points for the Los Angeles Olympics, are on the line.
Preliminary rounds begin this morning with competitions in the lightweight divisions. The schedule includes women’s under 48kg, 52kg, and 57kg categories, and men’s under 60kg and 66kg divisions. Day two will feature the light-middleweight classes – women’s under 63kg and 70kg, and men’s under 73kg and 81kg. The tournament culminates on Sunday with the heavyweight divisions: women’s under 78kg and over 78kg, and men’s under 90kg, over 90kg, and over 100kg. Medal ceremonies will take place each evening throughout the three-day event.
The UAE national team will launch their campaign today with nine matches in the lightweight categories, which feature 131 athletes across five weight classes. Anas Al Yamahi will face Georgia’s Sardal, while Hamid Matlai takes on Azerbaijan’s Ruslan. Saqr Al Otaibi will compete against Germany’s Nicolas, and Simon Qustantin will battle the winner of the match between Malta’s Zahra and Germany’s Hedra. Saeed Al Hamadi is scheduled to fight China’s Zheng, and Hamid Al Shamsi will face Kazakhstan’s Bishov Bekbo. Bilal will compete against Switzerland’s Gasan.
On the women’s side, Irina Khubo will contest the under 48kg division against the winner of the match between Germany’s Sierra and Mongolia’s Oyu Ngerel. Bashirat Khroudi, a gold medalist, will compete in the 52kg category against the winner of the bout between the Netherlands’ Kravel and Serbia’s Neuklion.
The tournament draw ceremony took place yesterday, attended by Dr. Nasser Al Tamimi, a member of the National Olympic Committee and Secretary-General of the Federation, along with Mohammed Jassim, Assistant Secretary-General, and Sultan Al Ketbi, the local tournament director. Representing the International Judo Federation were Dr. Lisa Allan, Secretary-General, Vladimir Barta, Sports Director, and Head Referee Kamacho Raul. Dr. Al Tamimi conveyed greetings from Mohammed bin Thaloob Al Derai, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, to all attendees and participants, wishing them a pleasant stay and success in the competition. Dr. Allan, on behalf of the IJF President, expressed gratitude to the UAE’s leadership, government, and people for their warm hospitality and extended congratulations on the nation’s 54th National Day.
Participating teams have been utilizing the Mubadala Arena’s auxiliary facilities for training in preparation for the competition. The event’s public relations committee successfully coordinated training schedules and transportation logistics for athletes arriving from various countries.
Mohammed bin Thaloob Al Derai, Ambassador of Friendship and Peace at the International Judo Federation and President of the Judo Federation, expressed his sincere gratitude to Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage, which has been instrumental in the tournament’s growth and recognition by the IJF. Al Derai welcomed all guests to the competition, wishing them the best of luck.
The Federation President inspected the final preparations for welcoming the Judo family, led by IJF President Marius Vizer, to the UAE, a nation that continues to host exceptional Grand Slam Judo tournaments. He wished all participants a memorable experience.
