Twelve months later, the world circuit caravan is back in Mongolia for the second grand slam in the country's history, which will take place 23rd to 25th June at the Steppe Arena in Ulaanbaatar. This return to the heart of the Mongolian steppes also marks the start of the second year of Olympic qualification, with ranking list points now counting for 100%, while those of the year just ended will be reduced by 50%.
During this particularly important draw, which therefore marks a turning point in the race towards Paris 2024, the International Judo Federation was represented by its General Secretary, Dr Lisa Allan, Sport Director, Mr Michael Tamura and Head Refereeing Director, Mr Ki Young Jeon. On the Mongolian side we’re Mr Badmaanyambuu Bat-Erdene, Member of the Mongolian Parliament and Minister of Sport, Mr Battsetseg Batgerel, General Secretary of the Mongolian Judo Association, and Mrs Khishigbat Erdenet-Od, Chair of the Gender Equality Strategy of the Mongolian Judo Association.
During her welcome speech, Dr Lisa Allan said, "Dear Ministers, Mr Badmaanyambuu Bat-Erdene, dear Mr Battsetseg Batgerel and dear Mrs Khishigbat Erdenet-Od, dear judo family, on behalf of our President, Mr Marius Vizer and the International Judo Federation, we welcome you all to the second grand slam here in Ulaanbaatar.
Returning to Mongolia, a country with a strong judo history, we expect to have an excellent event as it will mark the start of the second year of events that will count towards qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
We thank the President of the Mongolian Judo Association, H.E. Khaltmaa Battulga, and his team for their preparations and professional collaboration. We are grateful to all the IJF and the local sponsors for their continued support.”
Mr Badmaanyambuu Bat-Erdene, who is also a former judoka and several times Olympian, declared, "Dear representatives of the International Judo Federation, all athletes, coaches, referees, officials and the judo family, who will participate in the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam, please receive my warm greetings on this wonderful day.
We were honoured to receive the right to host and organise the grand slam in 2022. In 2021, the President of the Mongolian Judo Association, H.E. Khaltmaa Battulga, signed an agreement to organise this event. Last year, we successfully orgnised the first grand slam, where 279 athletes from 30 countries participated. This year, 344 top judoka from 44 countries have come to Ulaanbaatar.
I am grateful to annonce that the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam is being organised for the second year under the auspices of the President of Mongolia, H.E. Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. We also express our gratitude to the Prime Minister of Mongolia, H.E. Luvsanmamsrai Oyun-Erdene and the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Mr Dolgorsürengiin Sumiyabazar, for their special support in organising the grand slam.
Mongolia is a country with a wrestling tradition and its people love and appreciate wrestling. With the support and participation of all fans, we are hosting this world-class judo tournament in our country.
Judo is a symbol of unity and peace. Through sport, we honour peace and symbolise the unity of the world. We believe that the judo tatami is not only a field of pure competition and fair fighting, but also a way of greeting, gratitude and respect for competitors, judges, teachers, spectators and judo enthusiasts. I wish you all success and a fair competition."
344 athletes are going to participate in Ulaanbaatar, representing 44 countries. During the three days of competition, the preliminary rounds will begin at 11:00 and the final block will be on display every day at 17:00 local time. You can follow the action live at Judotv.com and don't forget, at the end of the day to watch the Golden Score Show.