For the last two years, the athletes from all over the world were still in the 'after Rio 2016'. From now on they will be on their way to Tokyo 2020. In just a few days, from May 25-27, all eyes will be focussed on China and, above all, all points scored will count to get a ticket to the most anticipated Games in recent years, or perhaps even in recent decades.
In 2020, Judo will be back in its cradle, where in 1882 Jigoro Kano created what will become one of the major sports of the Olympic program while being an incredible tool to educate the youth of the world. It will also be back in the mythical Budokan, which in 1964 saw judo for the first time in history integrate the Olympic Games.
But the road to Tokyo is still long and it will be marked by many events (Grand Prix, Grand Slams, Masters, World Championships) which, at any time, might change the situation, generating grandiose joys or immense disappointments. Nothing is written and the Games are still far from being written.
The 'Blue City' (Hohhot), named for the color of the bricks used for the construction of its temple, has attracted 385 athletes from 49 countries, including at least 40 athletes ranked in the top ten in the world. This is not a coincidence. Everyone has to be in Hohhot this weekend to launch in the best way possible the race to Tokyo 2020.
At home, China will try to garner a maximum of points. With 56 competitors lined up, it's a safe bet that the Middle Empire should be among the best performing nations. In the footsteps of its Olympic champions of the past, the new generation of Chinese athletes is changing. One can expect a lot from the female delegation, but the renewal could also come from the men.
While they are not coming from very far, the Mongolian athletes will represent the second most numerous delegation, with 28 competitors, and a perfect parity between men and women, as it will also be the case for the first time at the Olympic Games, since the same number of men and women will participate in the individual tournament and the first team tournament in history in two years from now.
Russia, South Korea and Brazil will also in Hohhot with very strong teams, while Japan has selected for this first major Olympic event, and despite the fact that as a host country seats are guaranteed at the Games, a particularly competitive team.
The big adventure begins this weekend in China. The road to Tokyo starts in Hohhot!