Tajikistan Boosts Jiu-Jitsu Push Ahead of 2026 Asian Games

Tajikistan is stepping up its preparations for the 2026 Asian Games with a new international partnership that could reshape the future of its jiu-jitsu program.

An official meeting between Manouchehr Karimzoda, President of the Tajikistan Jiu-Jitsu Federation (TJF), and Takamasa Watanabe, head of the Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Federation, has paved the way for strategic cooperation between the two countries, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

The talks focused on long-term development and high-performance preparation ahead of the continental games.

National team coach Komil Boimurodov said that the agreement includes joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and access to Japan’s advanced sports facilities. He noted that the partnership offers Tajik athletes a rare opportunity to train alongside Asia’s leading jiu-jitsu specialists.

“This collaboration allows our athletes to work in a high-performance environment and gain experience that is essential as jiu-jitsu continues to grow across Asia,” Boimurodov said.

As part of the agreement, Japan has invited Tajikistan’s national team to hold training camps in Japan, while Watanabe is scheduled to visit Tajikistan in May 2026 to further strengthen cooperation.

The Tajikistan Jiu-Jitsu Federation sees the partnership as a key milestone in building a competitive national team and expanding international ties. Officials say the focus on elite preparation, collaboration, and strategic planning underlines Tajikistan’s serious ambitions for success at the 2026 Asian Games.