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The Judo Federation has confirmed the participation of 200 male and female athletes in the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games judo competitions. The event will take place at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from February 7 to 9, 2026, according to an official announcement made on February 3.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Thaloub Al Darei, President of the Federation, stated that the participating roster includes athletes over 30 years of age from various nationalities who registered for the tournament. Competition begins Saturday, preceded by registration and weigh-in procedures for the lightweight categories.
Abu Dhabi Masters Games Schedule and Weight Categories
The opening day of competition on February 7 will feature lightweight divisions, according to federation officials. Women will compete in the under-48kg and under-52kg categories, while men will participate in the under-60kg and under-66kg divisions. Morning sessions will host preliminary rounds, with finals and medal ceremonies taking place during evening sessions.
Al Darei outlined the remaining competition schedule for the Abu Dhabi judo tournament. Sunday’s matches will include women’s categories under 57kg and under 63kg, alongside men’s light-middleweight divisions under 73kg and under 81kg. The federation has structured the event to showcase multiple weight classes across the three-day period.
Final Day Competition Categories
The Masters Games judo event will conclude on Monday, February 9, with heavyweight competitions for both genders. Women will compete in divisions under and over 78kg, while men’s categories will include under-90kg, under-100kg, and over-100kg weight classes. Additionally, the final day represents the culmination of the international judo competition hosted in the UAE capital.
Meanwhile, the technical committee, chaired by Mohammed Jasim, Secretary General of the Federation, reviewed all technical and organizational arrangements for the competitions. The committee examined procedures following the approval of participant lists and ensured all requirements are in place to support successful judo events at the Masters Games.
International Participation in Abu Dhabi 2026
The Masters Games judo competition attracts veteran athletes from around the world, offering a platform for competitors over 30 to continue their involvement in the sport. However, specific nationality breakdowns and individual participant details were not disclosed in the federation’s announcement. The event represents part of a broader multi-sport Masters Games taking place in Abu Dhabi.
The Judo Federation emphasized its commitment to providing comprehensive support for all participating athletes. Infrastructure at Mubadala Arena has been prepared to accommodate the international field of 200 competitors across multiple weight divisions. In contrast to youth-focused competitions, Masters events celebrate continued athletic achievement beyond traditional competitive age ranges.
The technical preparations include designation of competition areas, officiating assignments, and medical support services. Furthermore, the federation coordinated with venue management to ensure proper facilities for athletes, coaches, and spectators throughout the three-day tournament. Registration protocols follow international judo standards for Masters-level competitions.
Competition at the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games is scheduled to proceed as planned with all 200 registered judoka confirmed. The federation has not announced whether additional athletes may be added to the roster before competition begins Saturday morning.
