Abu Dhabi to host IJF World Judo Tour’s fourth Grand Slam tomorrow

Following Grand Slam events in Paris (France), Baku (Azerbaijan) and Ekaterinburg (Russia), the International Judo Federation, IJF, descends on the United Arab Emirates for one of the most established events on the IJF World Judo Tour.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and organised and supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the UAE Wrestling & Judo Federation under the supervision of the IJF, the IJF World Judo Tour’s fourth Grand Slam of the year will be held in Abu Dhabi from 26th to 28th October at the IPIC Arena.

''The United Arab Emirates have increased their capacity and the level of their Grand Slam since being upgraded from a Grand Prix in 2014,'' said Marius Vizer, President of IJF.

''The home team will present Olympic and world medallists as judo has become one of the UAE’s top sports and all visiting judoka will have to be at their best to succeed in Abu Dhabi. Together we can stage a very successful and memorable event in the UAE,'' he added.

Arif Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said around 300 athletes from 50 countries, including six Arab countries, are participating in the tournament.

''The competition in its 9th edition has become a major event of the Abu Dhabi international ambitious sports calendar and sustainability vision to establish itself as an international capital of sports,'' he added.

Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Al Dirai, President of the UAE Judo Federation, said 18 athletes from six Arab countries UAE, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, and newcomer Sudan are participating this year.

''The UAE judo team comprises five fighters/ wrestlers who will compete in weight categories of 66kg, -66kg, -73kg, -90kg and -100kg,'' he explained.

"We are delighted to welcome you once again to the Judo Grand Slam 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Now in its 9th year, and especially after our Olympic win last year, we are looking forward to welcoming all federations, delegates and athletes again this year to Abu Dhabi.

"Judo has become an active and prominent sport over the recent years and the Grand Slam is an important event for us. As an international advocate of the work undertaken by IJF over the years, we are proud of our partnership and look forward to working together to make it better and stronger than ever before,'' he added.

He thanked the sponsors and the organising teams who have been working tirelessly year after year to make the event memorable and stress-free.