The World Combat Games continues until 30th October in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, even if judo has already finished its homework. The 2023 edition was a great success for our sport, attracting the best teams in the world and seeing the title won by Uzbekistan after an exciting competition. This success is due to the co-ordinated efforts of the organising committee, the Saudi Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation, who spared no effort to ensure that everything went smoothly.
The IJF team

If the national teams involved were able to express themselves fully, it is because behind the scenes, teamwork was optimal, with everyone fully involved in a personal capacity, for the benefit of all.

Marius Vizer, the IJF President said, "I want to congratulate all those who have been involved to make judo at the World Combat Games a success. We can be proud of our team and our judo family, sparing no effort to make judo what it is today."

IT, judogi control and FOP team

All people within the IJF team have played key roles in delivering the best event possible, from the registration of the delegations to judogi control, the field of play set up, the sport presentation, the media and on. Teodor Pop, the IJF Technical Delegate for the event declared, "It was a pleasure to fulfill this job, thank you for your dedication and efforts!"

Jeon Ki-Young and Tina Trstenjak

On the field of play, Loretta Cusack-Doyle was in action. Her expertise paid off. The competition began on time and ran smoothly the whole day. The six referees who were present in Riyadh are among the best in the world. They could work in perfect conditions. Experts such as Tina Trstenjak or Jeon Ki-Young brought all their knowledge, while Dennis Dennis van der Geest lent his voice to the presentation of the contests. Those are just a few examples of the people behind the scenes who gave their all to allow the athletes to display their best judo. It goes without mentioning that there were many who did not necessarily go to Saudi Arabia but who made sure that all the paperwork was done and all the equipment was in place.

Teodor Pop and Hassan Alanssari

Over the years, the IJF has been developing an internationally recognised expertise in all fields. The Combat Games is now over but the team is again present in Abu Dhabi for the annual grand slam and once again it is a success too.

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