"We are now in the final phase of the preparation. We are coordinating the last requests and managing everything concerning the reception, transport and accommodation of the delegations. One thing that makes this CISM Championship unique is that once the delegations are on national territory, they are fully supported by the organization.
We had to add a strict health protocol this year due to the pandemic and that complicates things a bit, but on the other hand, we had more time to organize because the Covid forced us to postpone the competition by one year. But we are all set now.
From Friday, we will officially open the competition. The individual competition will happen over the weekend and the team competition will take place on Tuesday. We have also planned ‘sports and disability activities’ as well as ‘youth and sport’ activities which are of particular importance at this time.
The choice of Brétigny-sur-Orge, in Essonne, as the host city for the competition was quickly established. Thanks to the involvement of everyone, the National Center for Defense Sports, the local judo committee led by Fabrice Guilley, and all our partners, we are ready to welcome more than 180 participants from 22 countries, the most distant being Sri Lanka, Brazil and Russia.
As I pointed out, the project started initially in 2019 because we wanted to organize the championship in 2020. With the postponement of the event, all the participants are especially eager to take part.
When organizing such a competition, it is important to find a suitable venue. We needed a place with a sufficiently large dojo and accommodation nearby. We opted for a high school with a boarding school, so everyone can stay there.
For years, CISM has had a partnership agreement with the IJF. Thanks to the support of IJF Military Commission manager Stefan Marginean, we are able to bring this agreement to life. This 40th CISM Military World Championship is now on the IJF calendar and we are happy to see that the world of judo is talking about our armed forces.
It must be said that the level of the competition is particularly high. In the past we had the pleasure of having Clarisse Agbegnenou among the winners. This year the French team will compete once again, with appearances from Shirine Boukli, Margaux Pinot and Audrey Tcheumeo. They have all either participated in the Olympic Games or the World Championships, with several notable achievements. Their participation is very important and significant.
We hope the event will be a success, both in terms of sport and memories. We want all participants to leave, medal or no medal, with fond memories. We are preparing a beautiful celebration."
As the IJF closes the Kata World Championships in Portugal, the 40th CISM World Military Championship opens its doors. The planet of judo never stops spinning, always offering more excitement.
Programme
Thursday 28 October: Delegation arrival
Friday 29 October: Opening Ceremony
Saturday 30 October: Individual Competition: -48kg, -52kg, -57kg and -63kg / -60kg, -66kg and -73kg
Sunday 31 October: Individual Competition: -70kg, -78kg and +78kg / -81kg, -90kg, -100kg and +100kg
Monday 1 November: Military Para-Judo Event
Tuesday 2 November: Team Competition
Wednesday 3 November: Closing Ceremony
Thursday 4 November: Delegation departure