The world number three has been in fine form since switching to the country - the hosts of last year's IJF World Championship in Astana - last year.

She is on the verge of confirming a seeded position at Rio 2016, which will be her first Olympics, in the women's under 48kg category.

Galbadrakh won the Almaty Grand Prix in 2014 when competing for her former country Mongolia.

There will also be major Kazakh interest in the men's under 60kg class with Rustam Ibrayev beginning as top seed.

This is in the absence of team-mate and world champion Yeldos Smetov, who is sitting out the action in a bid to rest up before Rio.

Away from home hopes, the event is of pivotal importance to those still hoping to reach Rio as it is the final open qualification event before the invite-only World Judo Masters, which features just the top 16 judoka in each category.

Anyone finishing in top eight will also earn a valuable seeding place for Rio.

"We are very pleased to be here in Almaty for the final open qualification event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," said IJF vice president Obaid Al-Anzi.

"We are grateful to the Kazakhstan Judo Federation for their support and desire to host this crucial competition before the Olympics.

"The Federation hosted an excellent edition of the World Championships last year and we are all looking forward to a tremendous competition this weekend."

Action will be held at the Sport Palace Baluan Sholak until Sunday (May 15).