2026 IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana Day 2 Recap

The 2026 IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana concluded on Thursday with Brazil topping the medal table, though the competition showcased the depth of talent across the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) circuit as athletes from Uzbekistan, Australia, and Turkey also claimed gold. The event, held in Kazakhstan’s capital, served as a key qualifier for the Los Angeles 2026 Paralympic Games, with competitors vying for spots in the final Paralympic qualification window.

The two-day tournament featured Paralympic and IBSA world medallists alongside rising stars, with the final block of matches drawing intense focus. In the women’s -60 kg category, the gold medal went to Uzbekistan’s Uljon Amrieva, who defeated Brazil’s Karoline Duarte in a closely contested final. Duarte, who had earlier defeated top-seeded Larissa Silva in the quarter-finals, secured a silver medal, while Silva and Turkey’s Uslu Hajabipour took bronze.

Brazil’s dominance in the event was underscored by multiple podium finishes, including gold in the men’s -95 kg category for Arthur Cavalcante Da Silva, who continued his strong form on the IBSA tour. The tournament’s results reflect the federation’s broader mission to promote inclusive judo, a martial art founded on principles of mutual welfare and benefit—core values articulated by its creator, Jigoro Kano, in the late 19th century.

The IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana marked the final stop on the 2026 IBSA tour before the Paralympic qualification period opens, with athletes from 12 countries competing across nine weight categories. The event’s organizers emphasized its role in preparing competitors for the Paralympic Games, where judo has been a staple since its debut in Tokyo 2020. The tournament also highlighted the sport’s growing global reach, with participants from regions including Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

While Brazil led the medal count, the competition demonstrated the competitive balance within the IBSA circuit. Amrieva’s victory in the women’s -60 kg final, for instance, marked her third gold in the IBSA Grand Prix series this year, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s emergence as a powerhouse in blind judo. Australia’s Maysa Abouzeid, who reached the semi-finals in the same category, also contributed to the event’s narrative of underdog success.

The 2026 IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana took place from May 12–13 in Astana, Kazakhstan, with live coverage provided by the International Judo Federation (IJF) and the IBSA. The event’s results will be used to determine qualification for the Los Angeles 2026 Paralympic Games, where judo will feature for the third consecutive edition. The tournament’s success underscores the sport’s role in fostering inclusivity and athletic excellence on the global stage.

Key facts:

• The tournament was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from May 12–13, 2026.
• Brazil topped the medal table, though Uzbekistan, Australia, and Turkey also secured gold.
• Uljon Amrieva (Uzbekistan) won gold in the women’s -60 kg category, defeating Karoline Duarte (Brazil).
• Arthur Cavalcante Da Silva (Brazil) won gold in the men’s -95 kg category.
• The event served as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2026 Paralympic Games.
• Judo at the Paralympics is governed by the IBSA, which promotes the sport for athletes with visual impairments.