The 2027 World Judo Championships will take place in Kazakhstan, which was the host of the 2015 edition. The competition will be held in Astana on June 7-14, offering athletes an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points toward qualification for the 2028 LA Olympics.
On the last day of individual competition at the 2026 Baku World Championships, a ceremony took place to pass the IJF flag between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, a symbolic gesture to pass the responsibility for the World Championships from one host to the next.
Azerbaijan Judo Federation Vice-President Elnur Mammadli returned the flag to International Judo Federation Secretary General Lisa Allan who then passed it on to Kazakhstan Judo Federation President Kuanyshbek Yesskeyev.
Yessekeev highlighted the significance of hosting the championships for Kazakh sports, noting that the event would open up new opportunities for the development of judo in the country.
“Hosting the World Judo Championships is a major milestone for Kazakh sports and a sign of the international sporting community’s confidence in our country,” he said.
“It is both a great honor and a serious responsibility. Our goal is to ensure that the championships are held to the highest organizational standards and meet all the requirements of the International Judo Federation.”
Kazakhstan had hosted the prestigious Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam for four consecutive years, from 2023 through 2026. The tournament is part of the IJF World Tour, and plays an important role in Olympic qualification.
Kazakhstan’s national team finished its campaign at the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku with a silver medal. Sherzod Davlatov took second place in the men’s under-60kg division.
