Budapest to Host World Judo Championships 2025

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has announced that Budapest, the capital of Hungary, will host the World Judo Championships in 2025. The announcement came at the conclusion of the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Championships, where the IJF flag and the responsibility for the upcoming event were handed over to Hungary by IJF President Marius Vizer.

Budapest is no stranger to hosting major judo events, having previously held the World Judo Championships in 2021. The 2025 edition, scheduled to begin on June 13, promises to be a significant event in the post-Olympic calendar. The competition will follow the Olympic format, with the individual tournaments running from June 13 to June 19, followed by the mixed team tournament on June 20.

The return of the World Championships to Budapest is a fitting homecoming for the IJF, whose headquarters are located in Hungary. This alignment underscores the close ties between the sport of judo and its Hungarian hosts. 

IJF President Marius Vizer expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Hungary is a country of sport and we're proud to have the IJF headquarters in Budapest. We are looking forward to welcoming the entire judo family to the world championships next year in this country, known for its rich traditions, culture, and values, those which resonate with judo. We are grateful to the Hungarian government and the Hungarian Judo Association for their dedication and support throughout the years."

Lazlo Toth, president of the Hungarian Judo Association and the European Judo Union, echoed this sentiment. "We are very happy and proud that Budapest can host the biggest judo meeting in 2025 after the Olympic Games in Paris. This will be the first big and global competition after Paris 2024," he said.

As the flag was ceremonially passed, the IJF began preparations for what promises to be a landmark event. The 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest will not only highlight the talents of the world's best judokas but also showcase Hungary's continued commitment to the sport. The judo community eagerly anticipates coming together in Budapest, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and sporting excellence.