The IJF World Judo Tour moves on swiftly from Tashkent to Linz, where the Upper Austria Grand Prix 2026 will take place from 6th to 8th March at the TipsArena. Now in its fourth edition, the event has established itself firmly as one of the most dynamic and best supported tournaments on the calendar.
From leff to right: Bernd Fasching, Issa Naschcho, Martin Poiger, Landesrat Markus Achleitner, Yvonne Snir-Bönisch, Samuel GaßnerBernd Fasching, Issa Naschcho, Martin Poiger, Landesrat Markus Achleitner, Yvonne Snir-Bönisch, Samuel Gaßner.
This year, 500 judoka from 62 nations are expected to compete, an impressive increase from last season’s 416 athletes and 52 countries. Austria fields the largest delegation with 42 competitors, followed by Italy with 23, while Germany, Japan and Kazakhstan each send 20 athletes. The numbers confirm Linz as a major hub of international judo.
Austria’s head coach, Yvonne Snir-Bönisch, is realistic but ambitious. “The anticipation for our home grand prix is palpable. Even though we cannot field our strongest team, our target is two medals,” she explained. Bernd Fasching and Olympic silver medallist Michaela Polleres are among the leading hopes. Fasching, a bronze medallist in Linz last year, returns in strong form, “I’ve scored points at each of my last three tournaments. Bronze from last year is my minimum goal. If possible, it should go even better,” he said confidently, hinting at a potential rematch with Kazakhstan’s top seed Abylaikhan Zhubanazar.
Regional Minister for Sport Markus Achleitner underlined the broader significance of the tournament. A fourth consecutive edition demonstrates the professionalism and international appeal of the event, as well as Upper Austria’s long standing judo tradition. Names such as Sabrina Filzmoser, Josef Reiter and brothers Shamil Borchashvili and Wachid Borchashvili reflect that legacy.
ÖJV President Martin Poiger has pointed to another remarkable statistic, that in 2025, Linz recorded the highest participation numbers of any World Judo Tour event, ahead of the prestigious grand slams in Tokyo and Paris. The feedback from delegations has been consistently positive and leading figures of the sport, including double Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek and two time world champion Anna-Maria Wagner, have praised the organisation publicly.
The entry list underlines the competitive depth. Seven defending champions return, including world number one Abiba Abuzhakynova in the women’s -48 kg category, as well as Aoife Coughlan, Iroha Oi and heavyweight star Guram Tushishvili.
Japan arrives with one of the youngest teams on the Tour, averaging just over 20 years of age. Fourteen of the 20 Japanese athletes entered will be making their senior international debut in Linz, including five junior world champions. Only Mitsuki Kondo brings established grand slam success to the squad.
Among the Austrians, youth and experience blend intriguingly. Seventeen year old Lukas Angerer is the youngest member of the team, while Magdalena Krssakova returns to competition just days after her 32nd birthday, marking a comeback following more than 20 months out.
With 172 volunteers supporting the event, more than ever before, Linz once again promises atmosphere, organisation and elite performance. After three intense days in Tashkent, the World Judo Tour heads straight into another high level weekend. If recent editions are any indication, Upper Austria is ready to deliver once again.
Cover and group photos © Judo Austria/Manuel Rampl
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