Judo at Asian Games 2026
Japan’s national martial art returns home for the continental showdown — 14 weight categories, fierce rivalries, and the loudest crowd in Asian judo history.
About Judo at Asian Games 2026
Judo was invented in Japan in 1882 and remains Asia’s signature martial art on the Olympic and continental stage. The 2026 Asian Games take place in Japan, giving the host nation an extraordinary home advantage in a sport they invented and still dominate at the world level.
Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan form the elite tier of Asian judo. With Aichi-Nagoya hosting, expect every judo session to be a sold-out showcase of the sport at its highest level.
Judo Events at Asian Games 2026
| Men’s Categories | Women’s Categories |
|---|---|
| −60kg (Extra Lightweight) | −48kg (Extra Lightweight) |
| −66kg (Half Lightweight) | −52kg (Half Lightweight) |
| −73kg (Lightweight) | −57kg (Lightweight) |
| −81kg (Half Middleweight) | −63kg (Half Middleweight) |
| −90kg (Middleweight) | −70kg (Middleweight) |
| −100kg (Half Heavyweight) | −78kg (Half Heavyweight) |
| +100kg (Heavyweight) | +78kg (Heavyweight) |
Top Nations in Asian Games Judo
🇯🇵 Japan (Host)
Japan has the deepest judo roster in Asia with Olympic, World Championship and Asian Games gold medallists across every weight category. Competing at home, they will be almost unbeatable in 2026.
All CategoriesHome Advantage
🇰🇷 South Korea
South Korea is Japan’s greatest rival in Asian judo, with a proud Olympic tradition. Korean judoka are technically precise fighters who regularly challenge Japan for gold across weight classes.
−66kg−73kg−81kg
🇲🇳 Mongolia
Mongolia has produced Olympic judo champions and is one of Asia’s most dangerous nations in judo. Mongolian fighters are known for explosive, powerful techniques across heavier categories.
−90kg+100kg
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has invested heavily in judo and now fields world-ranked athletes across multiple weight categories. Uzbek judoka are genuine medal threats in 2026.
−73kg−90kg
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has a growing judo program with athletes who regularly compete at international level. Medal contenders in several men’s and women’s divisions.
Men’s Divisions
🇮🇷 Iran
Iran has produced world-class judoka and Asian Games medallists. Iranian judo is particularly strong in heavier weight categories where Iranian athletes have world-ranking status.
−100kg+100kg
Medal Predictions — Judo Asian Games 2026
| Category | Gold Favourite | Challengers |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s −60kg | Japan | South Korea, Kazakhstan |
| Men’s −73kg | Japan | Uzbekistan, South Korea |
| Men’s −100kg | Iran / Mongolia | Japan, Kazakhstan |
| Men’s +100kg | Mongolia | Japan, Iran |
| Women’s −57kg | Japan | South Korea, Mongolia |
| Women’s −70kg | Japan / South Korea | Mongolia, Uzbekistan |
🥋 September 20 — Day 1 Judo Finals
✅ Day 1 Judo Finals — September 20, 2026
Judo competition opened at Asian Games 2026 on September 20 at the Dolphins Arena, Nagoya. Day 1 featured finals in the lightest weight categories, with Kazakhstan, Japan, and South Korea competing for medals.
| Event | 🥇 Gold | 🥈 Silver | 🥉 Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s 60kg | In progress | — | — |
| Men’s 66kg | In progress | — | — |
| Women’s 48kg | In progress | — | — |
| Women’s 52kg | In progress | — | — |
Kazakhstan, who entered Day 2 of the Asian Games with 1 gold medal, are active contenders. Japan (host nation) and South Korea are the traditional powerhouses. Full results will be confirmed and updated shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is judo held at Asian Games 2026?
Judo events at the 2026 Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in a dedicated martial arts arena.
Is Japan the favourite in judo at Asian Games 2026?
Yes. Japan is the overwhelming favourite, competing on home soil in the sport they invented. Japan has won the most judo gold medals in Asian Games history.
How many judo events are at Asian Games 2026?
There are 14 judo events — 7 men’s and 7 women’s weight categories from extra-lightweight to heavyweight.
How to Watch Judo at Asian Games 2026
Judo events will be broadcast live from Aichi-Nagoya. In Japan: NHK (full coverage). In India: Sony Sports Network. Check your local broadcaster for live and highlights coverage.