Next World Judo Championships go to Astana: the flag is handed to Kazakhstan in Baku

At the World Judo Championships under way in Baku, the flag for the 2027 World Championships was handed over to Kazakhstan. Azerbaijan Judo Federation Vice-President Elnur Mammadli passed it to International Judo Federation (IJF) General Secretary Lisa Allan, who handed it to Kazakhstan Judo Federation President Kuanyshbek Yessekeev.

The next World Championships will take place in Astana on 7–14 June 2027 and will award ranking points towards qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Yessekeev called it a major milestone for Kazakh sport. Astana will host the World Championships for the second time after 2015, and Kazakhstan has staged the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam every year from 2023 to 2026.

The Baku championships close today with the mixed team event. The hosts beat Austria 4–0 in their opening match and face Japan next. In the individual events Azerbaijan won seven medals (one gold, two silver, four bronze).