Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and known for being the Olympic capital, Lausanne will provide an exceptional setting for the world’s top judoka to gather, compete and showcase the highest level of our sport. “Judo is a deeply rooted Olympic sport and hosting this grand slam will reinforce the central role of the State of Vaud in international sport. It will also serve as a platform to highlight best practices in sport inclusion and to launch initiatives that promote sport and physical activity for people of all ages,” said Christelle Luisier Brodard, President of the Council of the State of Vaud.
“Welcoming another major event in an important Olympic sport is a great course of pride for Lausanne as we prepare to host the grand slam in 2026. It is also wonderful recognition for the Lausanne judo clubs that nurtured Binta Ndiaye, one of Switzerland’s most promising talents. She, like the other champions, will be energised by the enthusiasm of the crowd at the Vaudoise Arena,” added Emilie Moeschler, Municipal Councillor and Head of Sports and Social Cohesion for the city of Lausanne.
Switzerland has a long and proud judo tradition, both educationally and competitively. Swiss athletes continue to shine on the international stage. Among them are Nils Stump, 2023 world champion in Doha, Daniel Eich, holder of seven World Judo Tour medals, and rising stars Binta Ndiaye and April Fohouo, both already medallists at the junior world championships. All four, alongside many others, will have the opportunity to perform in front of their home crowd at the Lausanne Grand Slam 2026.
IJF President Mr Marius Vizer commented, “We are very pleased to introduce the Lausanne Grand Slam. Switzerland is a great judo nation with a long history in our sport. For many years we have collaborated closely, particularly at cadet level. This grand slam is a new step that we believe will add significant value to world judo. Hosting a World Judo Tour event in Lausanne, the home of the International Olympic Committee, carries an important symbolic meaning of which we are very proud.”
The Lausanne Grand Slam 2026 will also have a very special dimension, as it will, for the first time ever, be associated with Para and adaptive judo events, bringing together the entire judo family in all its diversity.
The successful bid to bring the World Judo Tour to Switzerland is the result of sustained efforts led by Sergei Aschwanden, Olympic medallist and President of the Swiss Judo Federation, whose commitment ensured that Lausanne could welcome one of the most prestigious events in judo. Aschwanden declared, “I am delighted to host an IJF grand slam in the Olympic capital. Thank you to President Vizer and the IJF, as well as to the state of Vaud, the city of Lausanne and the sponsors.”
The IJF looks forward to celebrating this new chapter in August 2026, when the global judo community will gather in Lausanne for an unforgettable grand slam.