BAKU: Azerbaijan is set to host the World Judo Championship again in June 2026, following a successful event in 2018, as reported by Trend via Idman.biz.

According to Trend News Agency, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation have finalized an agreement to hold the prestigious event in Baku. This championship will not only gather top judo athletes from across the world but also serve as a crucial qualifying event for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The 2026 championship in Baku is expected to build on the success of the 2018 edition, which was also held in the Azerbaijani capital. The International Judo Federation has praised Azerbaijan for its effective management of the previous championship and noted the country’s rising prominence in the sport. This is attributed to significant support from the nation’s leadership and collaborative efforts by local sports organizations.

Highlighting the achievements of Azerbaijani judokas, the federation pointed to Hidayat Heydarov
and Zelim Kotsoyev, who both won gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their victories are seen as a testament to the country’s growing influence and success in judo on the international stage.