UAE judokas target wins at Astana Grand Slam judo
UAE judokas Kareem Abdel Latif and Naji Yezbik contest the Astana Grand Slam judo as the team closes with Aram Georgian and Omar Marouf. Prize fund €154,000.
UAE judokas begin Astana Grand Slam campaign
The UAE national judo team opened its campaign at the Astana Grand Slam judo with two fighters in the under-73kg category competing on the opening day. Kareem Abdel Latif and Naji Yezbik each drew challenging opponents as they look to secure early victories and valuable points under the International Judo Federation umbrella.
Both athletes enter the draw aiming to progress through a stacked field staged by the Kazakhstan Judo Federation in the country’s capital. Their results will influence seedings and momentum as the tournament proceeds toward its final day.
Key matchups in under-73kg
Kareem Abdel Latif faces Kyrgyzstan’s national champion Dzuma Bekov in the under-73kg division, setting up a technically demanding encounter. Bekov’s status as Kyrgyzstan’s champion promises a high-paced bout that will test Abdel Latif’s tactical defence and gripping strategy.
Naji Yezbik meets Moldova’s Mitro Vlad in the same weight class, a pairing that pits contrasting styles against each other. Both under-73kg contests are pivotal for the UAE contingent as they pursue wins that could propel them into repechage rounds or later stages.
Heavyweight concluding bouts set for final day
The UAE team will conclude its presence at the Astana event with two heavier-weight contests scheduled for the final day. Aram Georgian is slated to fight in the under-90kg category against Russia’s champion Khubitsov Aland, a tough draw against a high-calibre opponent.
Omar Marouf will contest the over-100kg bracket and is set to face the winner of the match between India’s Singh Diyan and Kazakhstan’s champion Krik Galmjan. Both heavyweight fights represent the team’s last opportunity to add points and lift the nation’s profile at this Grand Slam.
Tournament context and prize money
The Astana Grand Slam judo is organised by the Kazakhstan Judo Federation under the supervision of the International Judo Federation and carries a total prize fund of €154,000. The event attracts top-ranked international judokas seeking ranking points ahead of major seasonal championships and continental qualifiers.
Held in the Kazakh capital, the Grand Slam format draws a deep field across weight categories and provides both monetary rewards and IJF ranking points that are critical for Olympic and world championship qualification. Competitors and national teams commonly use these tournaments to test tactics and measure progress.
Team objectives and ranking implications
For the UAE squad, the priority at the Astana Grand Slam judo is to accumulate ranking points and gain exposure against seasoned internationals. Strong showings by Abdel Latif, Yezbik, Georgian, or Marouf would improve their standing and offer momentum for upcoming regional and global competitions.
Coaches emphasise tactical discipline and seizing opportunities in early rounds, where single-elimination pressure can determine progression. Achieving wins at this level also helps secure seeding advantages in future draws and raises the profile of Emirati judo on the international circuit.
Final note on preparation and outlook
The UAE delegation arrived in Astana with a focused plan to manage weight categories and recover quickly between matches. With the tournament concluding tomorrow, attention turns to the concluding heavyweight bouts that will determine the team’s final results.
Results from Astana will be used by the UAE judo federation to assess athlete development and adjust preparations for the next international assignments. The team remains committed to competing strongly and building experience on the Grand Slam stage.
