ASTANA — Kazakhstan has officially received the International Judo Federation (IJF) flag to host the 2027 World Judo Championships in Kazakh capital on June 7-14. The event will be the country’s second time hosting the sport’s premier global competition and an important step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Photo credit: Press Service of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation
The handover ceremony took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the World Championships. IJF Secretary General Lisa Allan presented the flag to Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev, president of the Judo Federation of Kazakhstan, following its transfer by Elnur Mammadli, vice president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, reported the federation’s press service on Oct. 10.
The 2027 championships will serve as an important stage in Olympic qualification, with athletes competing for ranking points toward securing places at the Los Angeles Games.
Yessekeyev said hosting the event reflects the international community’s confidence in Kazakhstan’s ability to organize major sporting competitions. He added that the federation would focus on meeting IJF organizational standards and preparing the national team for competition.
Kazakhstan first hosted the World Judo Championships in 2015. The country has also hosted the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam from 2023 through 2026, an international tournament on the IJF calendar that contributes to Olympic qualification.
