Judo Grand Slam Tbilisi postponed

The International Judo Federation and the organisers of the Tbilisi Grand Slam have decided to postpone the Grand Slam in Tbilisi due to the current war situation in Ukraine. The Grand Slam in Tbilisi was initially scheduled to take place 25th-27th March 2022 but is postponed until 3rd-5th June 2022, in fact the date of the cancelled Grand Slam in Düsseldorf.

One week after the initial date of the Tbilisi Grand Slam, the Antalya Grand Slam will take place. There was no communication yet about that event.

In an open letter the IJF deplores the war taking place in Ukraine. “We are in complete solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”

Previously the IJF allowed Russian athletes to take part in international judo events under the flag of the IJF, which led to divided reactions within the world of judo. The International Paralympic Committee that first allowed Russian and Belarussian athletes at the Paralympic Games in Peking, recalled that decision.

In the letter IJF President Marius L. Vizer  states: “At present, understanding the fury that this invasion is provoking, we believe the most urgent thing to do is to help Ukrainian people and the world of judo is mobilized, numerous clubs are launching refugee welcome operations and material aid. We are engaging in this approach.”

“The International Judo Federation is in direct contact with the Ukrainian Judo Federation, the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and the IOC, working together for targeted help where needed the most. We are offering 200,000 USD as humanitarian assistance for the Ukrainian Judo Family.”