Astana brings the next European test as Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam opens

The break after the 2026 European Judo Championships is barely a break at all. From 8 to 10 May, the World Judo Tour moves straight to Kazakhstan for the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam, where form, confidence and early Olympic qualification momentum will all be under the spotlight.

For European judoka, this event feels especially important. In the men’s +100kg category, world number one Inal Tasoev tops the field, but Europe is heavily represented there with Grzegorz Teresiński and Losseni Kone also high on the entry list. At -100kg, Simeon Catharina arrives with real momentum after taking silver at the European Championships, and the Dutch judoka is now chasing a third straight podium finish this season.

The middle weights also offer several strong European storylines. Mihael Latisev is seeded second at -90kg, while Moldova’s Victor Sterpu lines up at -81kg. Christian Parlati, the 2025 European champion, is set for his first appearance of 2026, adding even more intrigue to the -90kg category. In -73kg, Fabio Basile returns again and brings proven pedigree to a crowded draw after his late call-up for the European Championships.

Europe’s top names are moving quickly from continental success to the world stage.

The women’s field is just as compelling. Joanne van Lieshout enters -63kg as the new European champion and top seed, but her road will not be easy with Jessica Klimkait and Rafaela Silva also in the mix. At -78kg, Germany’s Anna Olek leads the draw, and a meeting with teammate Alina Böhm would be one of the standout matchups of the weekend.

Germany adds more depth through Miriam Butkereit at -70kg and Seija Ballhaus at -57kg. The Netherlands also has reasons to watch closely, with Amber Gersjes trying to build on her first Grand Slam medal after silver in Dushanbe. Italy’s Veronica Toniolo continues her return from injury in -57kg and will be looking for a better outcome after an early exit at the European Championships. Competition begins on 8 May, with the final day on 10 May featuring -90kg, -100kg, +100kg, -78kg and +78kg. Live coverage will be available on JudoTV.com.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union