BUDAPEST, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced on Thursday that the 2026 World Judo Masters will be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from December 18 to 20.

The World Judo Masters ranks just below the world championships within the IJF competition system.

As part of the World Judo Tour, the invitation-only event brings together the top 36 athletes in each weight category, with no limit on entries per country.

The tournament carries significant world ranking value, with 1,800 points awarded to the gold medallist.

The 2026 edition will also count toward qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Dushanbe has emerged as a regular host on the World Judo Tour in recent years, staging multiple events and organising the 2024 World Junior Championships.

"It is a great honour for Tajikistan and our judo community to host the 2026 World Judo Masters in Dushanbe," said Tajik Judo Federation President Ismoil Mahmadzoir. "The event reflects the progress we have made in recent years and our growing role in international judo."

Mahmadzoir added that the country aims to deliver a high-level competition and further promote the sport, while the IJF said the event will provide a platform for the world's top judoka and support the development of judo in Central Asia. ■