Budapest Grand Slam under pressure but still scheduled

With everything starting to go back to normal, the International Judo Federation has been putting sports back and scheduling them on the sporting calendar but that doesn’t seem easy.

While focusing on the health measures to ensure that all competitors are safe, the federation also plans to open other events like, the Grand Slam in Budapest in October the Qatar World Masters in January 2021 and if possible a Grand Prix in Zagreb this year. The Tokyo Grand Slam is likely to be canceled in December.

IJF announced its protocols to revive competitions with restrictive measures to address the coronavirus pandemic. 

This announcement was made by Marius Vizer, IJF president, saying:

“The time has come to announce how we will, step by step, restart our activities. We know the situation is different around the world, but some territories are ready to organize events. All countries are welcome and able to participate”

Budapest will once again get the opportunity to host the world’s greatest judoka if the increase of affected people can be controlled in the Hungarian capital. Budapest can be the first Grand slam to be held after the outbreak of the pandemic. Athletes will be able to participate in following strict health guidelines. 

As part of the announcement, the IJF said that when the competition returns in October, the qualifying points will be at stake.

For the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, 386 athletes are expected to line up in the Judo competition, with men and women competing across seven weight classes. Afterward the mixed team event with three male judoka and three female judoka drawn from the individual competition and join forces to become the inaugural Olympic Judo team championships.

The IJF has confirmed that more continental competitions are due to take place during the same period, but also the European Championships in November are under pressure of the circumstances in Czech Republic.