To launch this first grand slam of 2025, the first order of play is to run the draw. 300 athletes from 50 nations have been waiting for it and now it is live, available on JudoTV, and the athletes can plan for their big day.
At the draw, held in the famous Accor Arena Bercy, the IJF were represented by IJF Director General Mr Vlad Marinescu, IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan and IJF Head Referee Director Mr Florin Daniel Lascau. For the French Judo Federation, French Team General Manager Mrs Frederique Jossinet, Deputy General Secretary Mr Jerome Bretaudeau and Vice President in charge of formation Mr David Inquel were in attendance.
The first welcome was delivered by Dr Lisa Allan, “Dear esteemed French Team General Manager Mrs Frédérique Jossinet, Vice President Mr David Inquel and Deputy General Secretary Mr Jérôme Bretaudeau, dear judo family, on behalf of our President, Mr Marius Vizer, and the International Judo Federation, we extend a warm welcome to Paris and the first grand slam of 2025."
"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to France Judo and President Stéphane Nomis for their unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards of event organisation. This event unites us from all corners of the globe to witness the world's top judoka compete in front of a passionate judo crowd who fill the Accor Arena each year.
A special thank you to all our member national federations and sponsors for their continued support. Let us all enjoy a weekend that promises to showcase an exceptional display of world-class judo.”
Mrs Frederique Jossinet then took the floor, “Good afternoon everyone, it is an honour to welcome you to the draw ceremony of the Paris Grand Slam, a flagship event in the world of judo. This tournament is a great opportunity for our athletes to shine in front of their home crowd and compete against the world’s best."
"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the International Judo Federation, all the officials, the volunteers, the athletes, as well as all our partners and everyone who contributes to making this competition such a special event. I wish you all the best in Paris. Thank you."
IJF commentator, Sheldon Franco-Rooks then delivered a reminder of some of the expectations of our sport, such as the continued dedication to clean sport and fair play. It was noted that there is now a Telegram channel, IJF Clean Judo, and that it is avaialble to all via links and the QR code distrubuted via noticeboards.
Ahead of the draw itself, it was noted that in this 2 day competition, day 1 will begin at 10:00 with the opening ceremony 16:00 Day 2 will begin at 10:30 with the IJF Judo Awards at 16:00. On both days the final block will be at 17:00.
IJF Head Referee Director Mr Florin Daniel Lascau then said, “Dear judoka world wide and all colleagues, this grand slam starts with refereeing rules as suggested by federations, communicated at the seminar in Istanbul. After the 2025 World Championships we will communicate any changes ready to have a solid set of well distributed rules."
Mr Vlad Marinescu then ran the mechanics of the draw, “It is an honour to begin the 2025 World Judo Tour in Paris, France. Let’s begin with the -48 kg category.”
At the end of the draw, officials gathered to mark the occasion with photos, ready to enjoy a very special weekend of judo.
