Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix Set to Thrill in Linz

The Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix is back, and it promises to be an action-packed event from March 8th to 10th at the TipsArena in Linz. Following the success of last year's World Tour comeback, anticipation is running high as judo enthusiasts gear up for another exhilarating tournament.

Last year, local favorite Shamil Borchashvili delighted the home crowd by clinching gold, setting the stage for what promises to be an even more electrifying competition this time around. This year he will not compete though.
With just five months left until the Olympics, top judokas, including Tokyo medalists Michaela Polleres and Shamil Borchashvili, are gearing up for the final push in their Olympic qualification journey.

This year's Grand Prix has attracted a record-breaking 528 judokas from 78 nations, showcasing the global appeal of the sport. Austria leads the pack with 34 starters, including all Olympic candidates and nine Upper Austrians, highlighting the country's strong presence in the tournament.

With nearly 1,000 attendees, including coaches and supervisors, expected to descend upon Linz, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the mats. The tournament will be held on four mats to accommodate the crowds, with more than 5,000 overnight stays booked for the judo entourage.

The Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix will also enjoy extensive international coverage, with the TV signal broadcast in 190 countries. Last year's event garnered a social media reach of over 10 million, highlighting the growing popularity of judo on the world stage.

Sporting prowess will be on full display in Linz, with top-ranked judokas, including world number one winners Sanne Van Dijke and Francisco Garrigos, headlining the competition. A total of 19 participants from the top 10 of the IJF ranking are expected to compete, adding to the excitement.

Judo Austria President Martin Poiger expressed satisfaction with last year's event and noted the improved starting field for this year's Grand Prix. With the Olympics in Paris on the horizon, anticipation is high for another memorable tournament in Linz.

Austria's judo stars are aiming high, with Olympic silver medalist Michaela Polleres eyeing a strong performance in Linz to bolster her Olympic seeding. With 700 points up for grabs for victory, the stakes are high for all competitors.

The Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix promises to be a celebration of judo excellence, with top athletes from around the world vying for glory. With a packed schedule of thrilling bouts and a festive atmosphere, judo fans are in for a treat at the TipsArena in Linz.