The International Judo Federation has just announced the creation of two new high-level international events for younger athletes.
The first event will be the Hoji Sharif Dushanbe Junior Grand Prix, which will take place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 24 and 25 October, 2026. One month later, Uzbekistan will host the Saber Tashkent Cadet Grand Prix, on 24 and 25 November, 2026.
These two new events are part of the IJF’s efforts to strengthen the competitive pathway for cadet and junior athletes worldwide.
Prior to this latest development, Grand Prix events were senior-level events only. Juniors and even cadets could take part in senior events but they would be fighting mainly with seniors. In these two new Grand Prix events, they will fight people of their own age group.
“With the introduction of these Grand Prix tournaments, young judoka will now benefit directly from the expertise, standards and organizational framework of the International Judo Federation," the IJF said. "The new competitions will also offer prize money, providing additional motivation and recognition for young athletes as they take their first steps on the international stage.”
In its press release, the IJF expressed its gratitude to the judo federations of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for their commitment and vision in contributing to the development of future generations of judokas.
