Following the Asian Open in Hangzhou, the IJF World Judo Tour makes its long-awaited return to Qingdao from 26–28 September 2025. The Chinese city, well known as one of Asia’s classic judo destinations, is back on the elite circuit after nearly a decade. Qingdao previously hosted the Grand Prix from 2009 to 2016 and the IJF World Masters in 2019, events that cemented its reputation as a world-class venue.
This year, Qingdao will again attract a strong field. China leads the entry list with a 48-athlete delegation, but several European nations are sending medal contenders as well. Poland travels with a sizeable team, while Hungary enters 10 athletes, including strong hopefuls like Gyertyas Roza and Ozbas Szofi. France is represented by a compact but powerful women’s team of six, featuring Olympic and world medallists such as Shirine Boukli, Margaux Pinot, Audrey Tcheumeo, and Lea Fontaine.
Of the 112 title winners at Grand Prix level in Qingdao, 43 were European. Alim Gadanov is the European top scorer with three wins in the harbour city. One of those winners was young Barbara Matic in 2015, at the age of 20. It was in the same year when Big Teddy won gold in Qingdao.
Japan has confirmed a ten-athlete squad with high expectations. Among them is 2024 World Champion Ryoma Tanaka, joined by fellow world medallists Momo Tamaoki and Taiki Nakamura. Their presence ensures that Qingdao will host some of the sport’s biggest names.
Qingdao’s judo history is significant. As one of the founding hosts of the IJF World Tour in 2009, the city staged the Grand Prix for eight consecutive years and became a key stop for Olympic qualification. Its hosting of the 2019 World Masters further underlined its role as a judo hub in East Asia.
The 2025 Qingdao Grand Prix is part of a five-event series this year, alongside Linz, Lima, Guadalajara, and Zagreb. For many athletes, it will serve as a crucial test ahead of the 2026 World Championships and the next Olympic cycle.
Author: Hans Van Essen
Author: EJU Media