Japan Dominates Paris Grand Slam 2026: A Shift in Judo Power Dynamics?
The recent Paris Grand Slam 2026 saw a strong performance from Japanese judoka, securing the top spot on the medal table with five gold, three silver and six bronze medals. This victory marks a return to dominance for Japan, having not topped the charts in Paris since 2022.
Rising Stars and Established Champions
Several key victories highlighted Japan’s success. Goki Tajima and Kanta Nakano achieved a 1-2 finish in the +90kg and +100kg categories, respectively. Yuhei Oino defeated Zelim Tckaev of Azerbaijan in the 81kg final, overcoming a more experienced opponent who had previously earned a bronze medal at the 2025 Budapest World Championships.
Dota Arai, a 21-year-old judoka, continued her impressive ascent, winning gold in the +100kg category against Anton Savytskiy of Ukraine. Arai’s win adds to her growing list of accolades, including a youth world championship in 2023, a bronze medal at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, and a silver medal at the 2025 Budapest World Championships, alongside three Grand Slam titles.
European Resilience and Notable Performances
Despite Japan’s overall success, European judoka demonstrated strong performances. France finished second in the medal table with three gold, one silver, and five bronze medals. Hungary’s Szofi Ozbas won gold in the 70kg category, while Italy’s Alice Bellandi, the reigning Olympic champion, secured victory in the 78kg division. France’s Romane Dicko triumphed in the +78kg category.
Russia also made a notable return to the competition, earning three bronze medals and competing under their flag and anthem for the first time since late 2025, following a suspension related to the conflict in Ukraine.
The Growing Competitive Landscape
The Paris Grand Slam 2026 showcased a highly competitive field, with athletes from 93 nations participating. The event featured 15 weight classes – seven for men, seven for women, and one mixed team event. The total prize money awarded was €998,000.
Looking Ahead: Judo Trends and Future Prospects
The results from the Paris Grand Slam suggest several emerging trends in the world of judo.
The Rise of Young Talent
The success of athletes like Dota Arai highlights the increasing prominence of young judoka on the international stage. This trend suggests a potential shift in the sport, with a fresh generation of athletes challenging established champions.
European Strength in Specific Weight Classes
The strong performances of European judoka in the 70kg, 78kg, and +78kg categories indicate continued strength in these weight classes. This suggests that European nations are focusing their training and development efforts on these specific divisions.
Russia’s Return to Competition
Russia’s participation in the Paris Grand Slam, after a period of suspension, signals a potential return to prominence in the sport. However, their performance will be closely monitored as they reintegrate into the international judo community.
FAQ
Q: Where was the 2025 World Judo Championships held?
A: The 2025 World Judo Championships were held in Budapest, Hungary.
Q: How many weight classes were featured in the 2025 World Judo Championships?
A: There were 15 weight classes: 7 for men, 7 for women, and 1 mixed team event.
Q: Who topped the medal table at the Paris Grand Slam 2026?
A: Japan topped the medal table with 5 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
Q: What is the total prize money for the 2025 World Judo Championships?
A: The total prize money was €998,000.
Did you know? The 2026 World Judo Championships will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Stay updated with the latest judo news and events by visiting the International Judo Federation website.
