Europe was present in Podgorica, Montenegro, Africa in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, while Pan-America and Oceania travelled to Santiago, Chile. Despite the respective time differences, the contests took place simultaneously over the weekend, giving judo fans from around the world the opportunity to enjoy a spectacle that lived up to all expectations.
There was commitment, a fierce desire to shine in championships that have true sporting value and that help convey the values of judo across the planet. The statistical success of these championships is evidenced by the fact that 1,099 athletes took part. The mixed team tournaments, which took place on the final day of competition or are still to take place on Monday, brought together 40 national teams; a record!
Dr Antonio Castro is an IJF Ambassador and Chair of the IJF Medical Commission. He was also recently elected Secretary General of the Pan American Judo Confederation. He shares his vision about the Pan American and Oceania Judo Championships Santiago 2025. "We had a fantastic atmosphere here and I am very impressed by the organisation. Judo Chile did a great job, with a lot of people involved, who were complementary to one another. I think that it was important to bring back such an event to Chile and we will do more in the future. The venue is a legacy from the Panamerican Games 2023 and we really benefit from it.
With the PJC Executive Committee having been renewed recently, we can continue to work together with President Carlos Zegarra Presser and bring judo to all corners of the continent and foster inclusion and diversity to show the values of the sport."
Jose Humberto Rodriguez is the Director General of the Panamerican Judo Confederation and for him Chile was also special, "This is one of the best events that we had with Lima and the cadet and junior event just a week ago. This shows the best of Panamerica. When you see how athletes were motivated to compete here, you understand the importance of such an event.
I truly believe that Panamerica has something to offer to the world. Judo here is a 'fiest;’ it’s unique and it's our signature. We are very happy with the presentation and the volunteers for instance. But also I want to praise the work of the referees and all the organisers. Talking about the volunteers, now they can return to their respective clubs and say, ‘one day, I want to be on the tatami, I want to be part of it.’ This is a fantastic promotional tool.
I must also say that our friends from Oceania were more than welcome here and that they also really enjoyed what we had to offer."
The Panamerican and Oceania Judo Championships is one example out of the 4 continental events that took place over the weekend. Each one showcased beautiful judo and opened the doors to the restart of the World Judo Tour, with the next event taking place in Tajikistan next weekend: the Dushanbe Grand Slam. Stay tuned and follow all the action at https://judotv.com/