The IJF was represented by Mr. Naser Al Tamimi, General Treasurer; Mr. Mohamed Meridja, Education & Coaching Director; Mr. Vladimir Barta, Head Sport Director and Mr. Jan Snijders, Head Referee Director.
The host city was represented by Dr. Sanda Corak, President of the Croatian Judo Federation as well as athletes Ms. Barbara Matic, Mr. Zlatko Kumric and Mr. Dominik Druzeta.
Prior to the start of the draw, a minute of silence was requested for the recently departed members of the international judo family, i.e. Craig Fallon (GBR), former World and European Champion; Kim Akker (NED), former Dutch team member and national champion and Marian Hefka (SVK), former international referee.
“A warm welcome on behalf of IJF President Marius Vizer,” said Mr. Al Tamimi. “We are grateful to the Croatian Judo Federation for the efforts they have been putting in the past years hosting this Grand Prix. I wish all participants the best of luck.”
“On behalf of the Croatian Judo Federation I welcome you to Zagreb for this 7th edition of the Grand Prix in Croatia,” Dr. Sanda Corak addressed the participants. “We are proud of the development our federation has made during recent years. We are also very competitive and want to be the best host for you. I’m very happy to mention that all final blocks will be broadcast live on national television which will result in a major boost for judo in our country.”
After the words of welcome, Mr. Vladimir Barta proceeded to the draw of the Zagreb Grand Prix while Dr. Lisa Allan, IJF Competition Manager gave all the necessary information to the delegations. Mr. Snijders discussed some referee matters as well.
A total number of 558 (332 male & 226 female) athletes from 87 countries will be competing on the tatami for the highest place on the medal podium. The biggest categories for men is the -73kg weight category with 59 participants and the -63kg weight category for women representing the highest number of athletes, i.e. 36 judokas.
A break down per category results in the following numbers regarding participation:
Men’s
-60kg: 36
-66kg: 49
-73kg: 59
-81kg: 54
-90kg: 56
-100kg: 47
+100kg: 37
Women’s
-48kg: 24
-52kg: 34
-57kg: 35
-63kg: 36
-70kg: 32
-78kg: 32
+78kg: 33
As this is the last Grand Prix event on the World Judo Tour prior to the IJF Worlds in Tokyo next August, this tournament will be more than exciting to follow. So, watch all the thrilling judo action of the Zagreb Grand Prix from 26 to 28 July live and free here on the IJF website. Preliminary rounds will start at 11am CET and final blocks at 5pm.
#JudoZagreb