The Grand Slam of Budapest welcomes 406 judoka from 61 countries. At this point, we all know that each World Judo tournament is a highly demanding test.
To begin with the return of the Canadian delegation with its figurehead, the world champion at U57kg, Jessica Klimkait, whom we have not seen since the Tokyo Olympics, reminds “Judo Inside”.
It will also be an opportunity to observe the U70kg world champion, the Croatian Barbara Matic, as well as a trio that has become accustomed to travelling the world, the Israeli Inbar Lanir, the Japanese Shori Hamada and the Brazilian Mayra Aguiar. Hamada and Lanir were opponents in the final of the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam, so we already know, if nobody prevents it, that the two will face each other in the final.
On the men’s side, as usual, the categories of U73kg, U81kg, U90kg and U100kg are the most valued due to the density of potential candidates. For the rest, it will also be the return to the circuit of the Olympic champion at U66kg, Hifumi Abe, and the ten-time world champion, Frenchman Teddy Riner, in the heavyweight category. The roster is attractive, with many title contenders and numerous revenants.
There will be three tatami in a stadium with the capacity for five thousand people. On Friday and Saturday the competition will begin at 10am and on Sunday at 11am. The final blocks will take place at 5:00pm local time.
