Dear Judo Family,
Following the IOC decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021, and the receipt of the new guidelines for the Olympic qualification system, the International Judo Federation is currently analyzing the available solutions and possibilities for defining a new qualification system, which will be a continuation of the current one that was suspended due to the Covid-19 global health crisis.
The main principles that we are taking into account are:
1. Safe and healthy participation for all stakeholders
2. Universal unrestricted participation of all countries
Following the recently received IOC guidelines, the maximum date to end the qualification period can be June 29 2021.
IJF will have at least the same number of events in the qualification process, including also all the events which were already scheduled on the IJF Calendar in the period until the new end date of the qualification. The final number of events included depends on a number of factors, but mainly on the health situation in the world and the possible travel restrictions, as well as the availability of venues and local organizing committees.
The World Championships 2021 could also be moved and included in the qualification process, although at the moment this was not taken into discussion due to the lack of certainty caused by the Coronavirus emergency situation. The Qatar Masters will definitely remain part of the qualification, at a date yet to be defined.
All competitions until at least June 30 2020 continue to be suspended. This date will be revised according to the evolution of the situation.
As soon as clear guidelines and an official timeline regarding the world health situation will be available, IJF will put together the calendar of the World Judo Tour and the Olympic qualification and will publish it.
We will take into account all the member nations and the issues they are facing and our main concern is to ensure a fair qualification process for all judoka around the world. IJF will also consider factors like extended lack of training opportunities and scarce preparation, leaving time to athletes to get back in shape and participate in competitions at their best level, in safe and healthy conditions.
On behalf of the International Judo Federation, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding of these unexpected circumstances. I wish you health and resilience and I urge you all to continue complying with the governmental advice and restrictions, in order to stop the spreading of the virus.
Keep yourselves and your environment safe and healthy!
Marius L. Vizer
IJF President
