Junior Worlds 2026 rebooked: Tashkent steps in for a November showdown

The IJF Junior World Championships 2026 have a new destination and a new date, but the goal stays the same: giving the best young judoka a true world-level stage. The International Judo Federation has decided the event will not take place in Amman, with the October plan in Jordan postponed. Instead, the championships have been reassigned to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, set for 19–22 November 2026.

The change comes with the wider region facing ongoing uncertainty, which the IJF says impacts travel conditions, logistics, and overall event organisation. Preparations in Amman had reportedly been moving in a positive direction, but the federation concluded that the current circumstances could not guarantee the level of safety and stability required to run the tournament as intended.

For the IJF, secure conditions for athletes, officials, and everyone involved remain the priority. Moving the Junior Worlds is presented as the most responsible way to protect participants while also keeping the competition’s quality and integrity intact.

The season shifts, but the Junior Worlds stay on the map.

Uzbekistan’s quick response also highlights its growing role in international judo. According to the IJF, the Uzbek Judo Federation, backed by national authorities, stepped in on short notice to make sure the event can go ahead later in the year without major disruption.

Tashkent has already built a reputation as a reliable host for major IJF events, and the relocation aims to secure continuity for one of the key dates on the junior calendar. The IJF also stressed that its relationship with Jordan remains strong, with discussions continuing about future events and the possibility of awarding a major competition to Amman at a later stage.

Source: JudoInside