One of the most prestigious international judo tournaments, the Qingdao Grand Prix, will be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao from September 26 to 28 this year, the International Judo Federation (IJF) reports. Teams from more than 20 countries are expected to participate, including Japan, South Korea, France, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

The Tajik national team has both experienced craftsmen and young talents who have already proved themselves in the international arena.

Tajikistan national team: Mehrzod Sufiev, Muhammadsoleh Kuvvatov (both - 60 kg), Obid Dzhebov (66 kg), Abubakr Sherov, Masudi Akhmadzod (both – 73 kg), Somon Makhmadbekov (81 kg), Muhammadjon Abdujalilzoda (90 kg), Jahongir Majidov (100 kg), Ahlia Muminova (48 kg), Alexandra Kan (57 kg), Victoria Kiselyova (+78 kg).

Special attention will be focused on Somon Makhmadbekov, one of the most award-winning Tajik judoka. Abubakr Sherov and Obid Jebov, who are ready to fight for the podium, are also among the favorites.

For the national team, participation in the Qingdao Grand Prix 2025 is not only an opportunity to test their strength before the upcoming continental starts, but also a chance to earn IJF rating points. These points directly affect the allocation of quotas for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The competition will be extremely high: This competition traditionally gathers the world's strongest judoka and is an important stage in preparation for the Asian and World Championships, as well as selection for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The organizers of the tournament retained the classic three-day structure. First day, September 26: men: 60 kg, 66 kg, women: 48 kg, 52 kg, 57 kg. Second day, September 27: men: 73 kg, 81 kg, women: 63 kg, 70 kg. Third day, September 28: men: 90 kg, 100 kg, +100 kg, women: 78 kg, +78 kg.