For the world judo family, the months of August to October correspond to the world championship season. Since the Tokyo Championships at the Budokan, which ended in early September, the Kata World Championships in Korea, Cadets in Kazakhstan and Veterans in Marrakech in Morocco have been successfully organized, while the Junior World Championships are about to begin in just a few days in Marrakech as well.
President Vizer (center) together with Mr. Danga Loum, IJF Veterans Commission (left) with his wife and Mr. Vladimir Barta, IJF Head Sport Director

IJF President Marius Vizer was present on the final day of competition of the Veterans World Championships, which saw generations of passionate judoka compete for several days, some for the honor of winning a medal, many others just for the happiness of sharing incredible moments with their judo friends.

Throughout the day, President Vizer had the opportunity to meet hundreds of judoka, who also came with their families in Marrakech and who were particularly happy to share their passion of the sport with the President of the organization.

Delegations from all over the world were happy to meet the IJF President

Nearly 1,200 competitors from 51 countries took part in the 11th edition of the event organized by the Veterans' Commission led by Denis Weisser of Germany, together with the Royal Moroccan Judo Federation led by Chafik Elkettani.

Marius Vizer declared: “The 11th edition of the Veteran World Championships in Marrakech, Morocco, was a great success, thanks to the commitment of all organizers. The Royal Moroccan Judo Federation, who staged a Grand Prix in Marrakech in March and has already organized several top events including the Open World Championships, Marrakech 2017, has shown their capacity and work ethic when it comes to hosting elite judo competitions and we are delighted with the outcome of the Veteran Worlds.

From left to right: Marius Vizer, IJF President, Chanet Abdelouahed, Vice-President of the Royal Moroccan Judo Federation, Denis Weisser, Chairman of the IJF Veterans Commission, El Arabi El Jamali, Royal Moroccan Judo Federation

Veteran Judo is key area within our sport and we value the immense contribution of all judoka who fall under this sector and aim to continue offering more resources and opportunities to support the development of judoka in these age categories.

The Veteran Worlds will be closed followed by the Junior Worlds here in Morocco, who represents the future of our sport. We hope that you will embrace this special time in Morocco and in Africa. I congratulate all the participants and I wish good luck to all who will compete in the upcoming days.“

Almost 1,200 veteran athletes participated in the competition

The magic of judo is that you can practice it from the youngest age to no age. Hundreds competitors have proved over the weekend that as long as the pleasure of practicing is there, everything is possible and that the judo family welcomes all its members anytime to make a better world prosper.

See also