IJF President Marius Vizer satisfied with IOC decision

IJF President Marius L. Vizer is satisfied with the decision of the IOC to postpone the Olympic Games to next year given the current crisis. In his regular twitter session #AskVizer the IJF President reacted.

IJF President Marius Vizer reacted: “Wishing everyone in this moment a lot of health and safety, hoping the situation to stabilise as soon as possible. It was a wise decision of the IOC and the Japanese Government, because in that way the question is answered to the athletes and they can be a little more relaxed and plan their future activity so far the COVID19 crisis will be over. Soon the IOC will give us the new guidelines, because the Olympic Qualification for every sport is managed together with the IOC. When the COVID19 crisis will be over, we will be ready with the new strategy.”

Possible switch World Championships from 2021 to 2020

Vizer reacted on the question to have the World Championships in 2020 instead of 2021. These World Championships are scheduled in August 2021 in Tashkent (UZB).

Vizer: “This is a new situation which we have to deal with, of course we have to partially reconsider our calendar including the continuity of the Olympic Qualification Events after the mediation of the current situation. The postponement of the Olympic effects the qualification of every Summer Olympic Sport of course. That will be rescheduled according to the joint strategy between the IOC Sport Department with IJF."

On any change of the Judo rules after the 2021 Olympic Games Vizer said: “Our Aim with the current rules is the result to be decided by athletes rather than by referees like in the past.”

"I want to appreciate very much the wise decision of the IOC together with the Government of Japan, taking in consideration that we all together, the IOC, the World Sport Movement and Governments cannot fight against an invisible and unpredictable enemy. It is the right occasion for everyone that finally have some certainty and people can plan properly of course according to the development of the situation created by the COVID-19. I wish all International Sport Community best health and safe activities."

The IOC postponed the Olympic Games until 23 July 2021, the opening of the judo tournament will take place at 24 July 2021.

The IOC postponed the Olympic Games until 23 July 2021, the U70kg event will take place at 28 July 2021.