Brazil has ended a six-year wait to return as a stop on the global circuit after the 2013 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian Judo Confederation (CBJ) has a wealth of experience when it comes to hosting top-flight judo events including a Grand Slam, in Rio, on four occasions (2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) and once a standalone World Team Championships in Salvador (2012).
The reappearance of Brazil on the IJF calendar has been met with universal enthusiasm and the entry this weekend reflects the excitement that is evident among the 55 participating nations.
IJF Competition Manager and IJF Executive Committee member Dr Lisa ALLAN (below - left centre) revealed that 319 judoka (117 men and 142 women) will take part in Brasilia over the next three days before opening the draw on Thursday.
“Mr. President. Mr. Secretary of State, ladies and gentlemen, judo family, it’s wonderful to see you all here again in Brazil. I wish you a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the IJF and our President Mr. Marius L. VIZER.
“We are very grateful to the CBJ and their sponsors and the city of Brasilia for bringing an IJF World Judo Tour event back to Brazil.”
Mr. Silvio Acacio BORGES (below - left), CBJ President, said: “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, the CBJ welcomes you all here to Brasilia. I’d like to greet Dr. ALLAN, Mr. MERIDJA, and Mr. LARRANAGA, I welcome all of you and your athletes.
“This Grand Slam marks the return of the CBJ to the IJF World Judo Tour. I’m thankful for our partnerships with the federal and state government and all of our sponsors and partners. Also, I want to particularly thank the IJF President Mr. Marius L. VIZER for trusting us to host this prestigious event.”
Mr. Leandro Cruz Froes da SILVA (above - centre), Secretary of State Sport and Leisure of the Federal District, said: “Good afternoon everyone, I’d like to say thank you to our IJF friends and colleagues who join us on the stage today. I wish you all a successful event.”
All-star entry in Brazil
The fifth and newest Grand Slam on the circuit also offers a colossal reward of 1000 World Ranking List points while silver offers 700 and bronze provides 500 points.
This points windfall coupled with the location and history of this judo nation has ensured that an all-star entry of judo champions have descended on the country’s capital city.
Olympic champions Teddy RINER (FRA), Lukas KRPALEK (CZE) and Rafaela SILVA (BRA) will receive much of the attention while double world champion Mayra AGUIAR (BRA) and former world champion Nikoloz SHERAZADISHVILI (ESP) are all here to battle for gold.
Former world champions HASHIMOTO Soichi (JPN) and NAGASE Takanori (JPN) could star for Japan while Olympic champions Khasan KHALMURZAEV (RUS) and Beslan MUDRANOV (RUS) will aim get to get back on track in South America.
Watch #JudoBrasilia from 6 to 8 October live and free here on the IJF website.