The Baku Judo Hopes Tournament 2026 and its accompanying International Technical Seminar concluded at the Absheron Olympic Sports Complex. The two-day competition brought together 289 under-14 and under-16 judoka from 81 clubs across 10 countries, while the technical seminar ran for three days.
The seminar was led by Kodokan expert, three-time world champion and two-time Olympic medallist Misato Nakamura, together with Olympic medallist Maria Centracchio. Specialists from the Azerbaijan Judo Federation also contributed to the programme, providing participants with different technical and coaching perspectives.
During the pre-event seminar, Nakamura stressed the importance of mastering fundamental techniques correctly. For young judoka, sound basics affect both the way techniques are applied in competition and the ability to continue developing through later stages of training.
The Judo Hopes tournament was divided into under-14 and under-16 age groups. It gave young athletes experience against different judo styles in an international setting, while the seminar connected competition with technical study.
Bringing education and competition into the same programme gives a youth event value beyond its medal results. Athletes can test their judo on the tatami, while coaches and participants can review fundamentals, tactical understanding and teaching methods away from the contest area.