In Paris, ahead of the 50th edition of the Paris Grand Slam, with the history of the event sitting as the pedestal under such a famous judo gathering, the draw has just taken place inside the Accor Arena, lovingly referred to as ‘the Bercy.’
Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Secretary General, gave the first official welcome, "Dear Vice Presidents Jossinet and Zouarh and Deputy Secretary General Bretaudeau, dear judo family, on behalf of our president, Mr Marius Vizer and the International Judo Federation, we welcome you to Paris and the first grand slam of 2024!"
"We would like to thank France Judo and its president, Stephane Nomis, for their dedication to always providing the highest standard of event organisation.
This 50th edition brings us together from all over the globe to see the best judoka in the world compete in front of the many avid judo fans who fill the Accor Arena every year!
With the Paris Olympic Games starting in 176 days, we wish the athletes good luck as they continue to chase qualification points.
Thank you to all our member national federations and sponsors for their continued support. Let us all enjoy the next three days of what promises to be an exceptional display of world class judo."
Frédérique Jossinet, France Judo Vice-President, said, "I am very happy to welcome all the delegations participating in this wonderful 50th Paris Grand Slam, the first of this wonderful year, 2024.
For three days, more than 600 competitors from more than 100 countries will compete. We are pleased to announce that the Paris Accor Arena will be sold out for these three days. It will certainly be a fantastic competition less than 6 months before the Paris Olympic Games."
"I would like to sincerely thank the IJF and President Marius Vizer and of course all the operational teams of the IJF and France Judo, who worked hand in hand to prepare the event.
Finally, I would like to say good luck to all the teams and athletes! May the best win!"
With the welcomes complete, IJF Commentator Sheldon Franco-Rooks then introduced IJF Head Sport Director Vladimir Barta to conduct the draw process. The fourteen weight categories were drawn and the IT Team ensured the publication of all related information, filling the JudoTV platform with everything we could need to know about this year’s Paris Grand Slam.
So the draw is done, the first athletes are weighed in and the arena is almost ready to welcome the most incredible judo crowd known to the sport. Who will win? This still remains to be seen.