The top seeds in each category already know who they might face in the quarter-finals and semi-finals but beyond that there are no guarantees and so the draw attracts the attention of all coaches and judoka present in Peru’s capital.
Representing the International Judo Federation at the draw were Carlos Zegarra Presser, IJF Vice President, IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta and IJF Head Referee Director Mr Florin Daniel Lascau. For the Peruvian Judo Federation Mr Jose Humberto Rodriguez, General Director of the Panamerican Judo Confederation, Mr Renzo Manyani Velazco, Peruvian Olympic Committee President and Kimberlie Rivera Tello, Peruvian Judo Federation Events Director were in attendance.
To open the draw, Carlos Zegarra Presser gave the first welcome speech, “Dear colleagues, dear judo family, all delegations, and Peruvian Olympic Committee representatives, on behalf of Mr Marius Vizer, the IJF president, welcome to the World Championships Cadets Lima, 2024. This is a good opportunity for the next generation, for our new stars, to work hard to make their dreams come true. Congratulations to the PJC who, following a lot of work over many years, made this event possible. This is not just about the event itself but about crossing the social bridges which are so big in Latin America. Judo brings all possibilities to the youth of Peru and Latin America, one they can create for themselves.”
Mr Renzo Manyani Velazco then took the floor, “I offer special thanks to all who have brought us to this moment but especially Mr Vizer. We are here on behalf of the Peruvian Olympic Committee and can say that judo will have full support from us, for the judoka and the whole judo family. We are more than happy to start this path for the future generations. We wish you all a great experience exploring Peruvian culture. Thank you so much for your work here.”
Some logistical information was then delivered including the competition start times and a reminder that the final block will begin at 4pm each day for medal contests only.
Competition start times:
Day 1: 11:00
Day 2: 10:30
Day 3: 10:30
Day 4: 11:00
Day 5 (mixed teams): 12:30
Mr Vladimir Barta then conducted the official draw procedure, “It is symbolic that this is the first competition after the Olympic Games in Paris, a new cycle and new athletes. I am sure some of those here will be competing in LA2028.”
The registered 377 athletes were then assigned their first contests, their places in the contest order, and the 47 delegations could begin their final preparations ahead of the first day of competition. Lima is ready!
