Astana Closes on a High with Thanks, Medals and Eyes on 2027

The final day in Astana brought more than just the last contests of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam. It wrapped up a tournament that, according to the organisers, delivered success across the board, from home medals for Kazakhstan to a public thank-you for the people who helped build the event over recent years.

Throughout the competition, the atmosphere around the Grand Slam was described as warm and respectful. The host nation placed friendship and development at the centre of the event, giving the closing day a feeling that went beyond results alone.

A small ceremony during the break between the preliminaries and the final block captured that spirit. The Kazakhstan Judo Federation invited the organising committee to the stage, marking the end of a series of tournaments held in Kazakhstan this year and recognising the group that has worked together over the past four years.

Olympic champion Yeldos Smetov joined the organising committee for the moment, alongside officials from the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, including Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev. It was a simple but meaningful scene, with a commemorative photo and public words of appreciation for those behind the event.

Astana’s closing day was about more than medals.

The ceremony also looked ahead. Fans and judo followers were invited to return for the 2027 World Judo Championships in Astana, a major target already on the horizon for the city and its organisers. With the experience of this team, the expectation around that event is clearly growing.

The source also pointed back to an important milestone from 2024, when the official contract for the 2027 World Championships was signed at IJF headquarters. That earlier step now feels closer and more real after the conclusion of this Grand Slam.

Once the ceremony ended, the focus returned to competition. The last final block of the 2026 edition got underway, bringing the event to its sporting conclusion and also closing the pre-qualification period.

That timing matters. With Los Angeles now firmly in view, every ranking point earned in Astana carried weight on the road towards Olympic qualification. The Grand Slam was not only a celebration for the host nation, but also a serious stop in the build-up to the next Olympic cycle.

Kazakhstan had reasons to celebrate on home soil, and the wider judo community had a chance to see how strongly Astana is positioning itself for the future. The final message from the event was clear: gratitude for what has been delivered now, and excitement for what is coming next.

The road to Los Angeles feels even sharper after Astana.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation