"Upper Austria was the venue of a world cup A tournament between 1980 and 2006. Now a competition at IJF World Tour level is taking place in Linz for the first time, the first in the history of red-white-red judo. We are looking forward to a brilliant comeback on the international judo stage," emphasises Economic and Sports Provincial Councillor Markus Achleitner, as thousands of judo fans look forward to the event.
On three competition days, beginning next Thursday, 452 judoka from 69 nations are expected at the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix. The closing date for entries is today, 18th May! Currently, no less than 13 top ten athletes have been entered, first and foremost the double Olympic champion Teddy Riner from France (+100kg), Czechia’s double Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek (-100kg), the German world champion Anna-Maria Wagner (-78kg) and world number one Denis Vieru of Moldova (-66kg).
Austria has 42 judoka in the starting line-up, including the entire world championship team and no less than 15 Upper Austrians. Including coaches and volunteers, more than 800 guests are expected to attend.
The TV signal of the grand prix will be broadcast live in 190 countries. “Having already succeeded in bringing top events to Upper Austria in many other sports, we have also achieved this goal in judo with the Upper Austria Grand Prix. It is another great opportunity for our numerous top athletes to spread positive sporting and touristic images of Upper Austria all over the world," says Councillor Achleitner.
Judo Austria President Martin Poiger has many reasons to be happy, "We as an association can live very well with three top-7 placings, above all the bronze medal for Michaela Polleres (-70kg). It is the most successful red-white-red world championships since 2005 (silver: Lupo Paischer at -60kg and bronze: Sabrina Filzmoser at -57kg). A small drop of bitterness is the fact that even more would have been possible. Austro-Brit Lubjana ‘Lulu’ Piovesana was narrowly beaten by Szofi Ozbas (HUN) in the fight for bronze, the 7th place of Wachid Borchashvili (-81kg) was dismissed by some media as a premature elimination. However, Wachid and Shamil's weight class is extremely competitive. Wachid brought the defending champion and new world champion Grigalashvili to the brink of defeat. Wachid's second narrow defeat was against none other than Olympic champion Takanori Nagase (JPN). Wachid delivered an absolutely world class performance in Doha with 7th place."
The red-white-red world championship team returned from Doha on Monday evening. From now on, their eyes are on the home World Judo Tour tournament in Linz, "We are prepared, our 42-member team is really looking forward to the grand prix in Upper Austria. Most of them have not yet competed at this level in front of their families and friends."
Head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch has been vehemently campaigning for Austria to be awarded a World Tour-level tournament again since she took office. "We want to present ourselves in front of our home crowd, with our top players and also want our talented athletes to get used to the higher level, step by step. The more spectators come, the better. Due to injuries, Michaela Polleres and Wachid Borchashvili are still in doubt. Only when the knee injuries have healed does it make sense for both of them to start. We don't want to take any risks."
Sabrina Filzmoser was last in Doha as athletes' spokesperson for the International Judo Federation. The ÖJV Vice President was keeping her fingers crossed for her former teammates in the mixed team competition. Last week Sabrina passed the police service test and in the autumn the next practical test will begin. "I really want to compete in front of my home crowd again. For me, it would be a huge honour."
Wachid Borchashvili (-81) returned from the World Championships in Doha with mixed feelings. "The seventh place brings important points for the world ranking. It's a pity that I couldn't compete in the mixed team event due to a knee injury. I should be fit again for the home grand prix next week. Being able to fight in front of my family and friends means a lot to me."
Shamil, 27, would not mind a first competitive duel with his brother, who is three years younger, "That would be really cool! Wachid has recently delivered a series of very good results. He is technically more versatile, whereas I have more experience especially in big events and live from my physical strength. A few weeks ago I would have been convinced that I would win. Now, after the World Championships, I don't dare to say that for sure.
More facts & figures about the Upper Austrian Grand Prix:
The Upper Austria Grand Prix is the second of a total of four grand prix tournaments in 2023, from Almada (POR). In addition, a total of 9 grand slams are taking place this year.
There was already an honour in the run-up: the IJF awarded the Upper Austria Grand Prix the ‘Green Event’ seal of quality. This means that the ÖJV only uses certified hotels, adheres to the strictest environmental standards in catering (recyclable plates, cups, etc.) and implements a resource-saving transport concept.
The capacity of the hall is for 1,500 people per day for the three tournament days but can be increased to up to 9,000 at any time and at short notice.
The IJF expects a TV production with no less than 15 cameras. ORF has secured the World Judo Tour rights.
No less than 19 ÖJV starters will celebrate their World Tour premiere in Linz. The youngest is 17-year-old Ronald Pröll (-90kg, born 2005)
The largest Austrian contingents are from Upper Austria with 15 athletes, plus Vienna (9) and Salzburg (7). Besides the three Borchashvili brothers (Kimran, Shamil & Wachid), two siblings, Carina and Alexander Klaus-Sternwieser, will also be competing. In six of the 14 weight categories the ÖJV team will use the maximum of 4 places.