IJF President Marius Vizer praised the effort behind this historic moment, “It is my great pleasure to welcome you to a new grand prix in Lima, Peru. Our hosts have worked tirelessly in recent years to gain the experience needed to join the World Judo Tour. Continental opens and championships, world championships for both cadets and juniors, and countless seminars have shown that Peru’s federation is ready to stage a world-class event for the top seniors of the moment.
Peru is an energetic Pan American hub for the meeting of cultures, sports and travellers. Lima, a city centre listed proudly as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has something for everyone, from history to gastronomy, stunning landscapes to a tapestry of mixed traditions. The Peruvian organisation team is experienced, progressive and generous and this means that our judo family is very well looked after in the country’s capital.”
Echoing his words, Mrs Maria Martinez, president of the Peruvian Judo Federation, highlighted the importance of this milestone for the host nation, “On behalf of the Peruvian Judo Federation, it is my great honour to welcome you to the Lima Grand Prix, the first World Judo Tour event ever to take place in Peru. Hosting a grand prix marks an historic milestone for our country and for the development of judo in the region.
We are proud to receive some of the world’s top judoka in Lima and are committed to delivering a high-level competition that reflects the values and spirit of our sport. As part of the IJF World Judo Tour, this prestigious event awards points towards the senior World Ranking List, offering athletes an important opportunity to advance their international standing. We extend our sincere thanks to the IJF and the PJC for their trust and continued support in bringing world-class judo to Peru.”
With the opening day now complete, Lima has made an unforgettable entrance into the World Judo Tour. The warmth of the Peruvian welcome, combined with flawless organisation and strong performances on the tatami, promise an exciting continuation for the days ahead.