Kazakhstan has received the flag of the World Judo Championships, which will be held in Astana in 2027. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The ceremonial event was organized on the sidelines of the World Championships currently taking place in Baku, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. During the ceremony, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation Elnur Mamedli returned the World Championships flag to the International Judo Federation (IJF).
IJF Secretary General Lisa Allan then ceremonially handed the flag to President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev.
Astana to host the World Championships in 2027
"The next World Judo Championships will be held from 7 to 14 June 2027 in the city of Astana. This tournament is an important competition in the qualification stage for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The world's best judoka will compete for the ranking points needed to secure an Olympic berth," the statement said.
Yessekeyev: priority will be given to preparation
President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev said that during preparations for the World Championships, priority will be given to organizing the competition and preparing the national team.
"Holding the World Championships in Kazakhstan is a reflection of the trust the international sports community has placed in our country. Our task is to hold the competition in accordance with the requirements of the International Judo Federation and to ensure the preparation of the national team," Yessekeyev said.
A return after 12 years
Thus, in 2027 the World Judo Championships will again be held in Kazakhstan after a gap of 12 years. Previously, in 2015, the World Championships were organized in the city of Astana.
In addition, between 2023 and 2026, Kazakhstan hosted the prestigious international Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam tournament for four consecutive years. The event is included in the official calendar of the International Judo Federation (IJF) and plays an important role in the Olympic qualification system.
Success in Baku
It is worth noting that at the World Championships currently taking place in Baku, Kazakh judoka Sherzod Davlatov (-60 kg) reached the final and became a silver medalist.