The 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships, the marquee event of the International Judo Federation’s World Judo Tour, will take center stage in the Hungarian capital of Budapest from Monday 28 August – Sunday 3 September at the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena.
The official draw and press conference took place on Sunday afternoon at the Intercontinental Hotel ahead of the IJF 65th Anniversary Gala evening at the Hungarian State Opera House.
Following Friday’s IJF Congress, which saw the re-election of the IJF President Mr. Marius VIZER and the announcement of a partnership with CNN as well as four new members on the IJF Executive Committee, and Saturday’s Art Exhibition and 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships statue unveiling, the 731 competing judoka (440 men, 291 wonen) and 126 nations discovered the fate of their charges for the seven-day spectacle.
Judo fans will have unprecedented access to the sport’s blue ribbon event with each mat being broadcast live on the IJF website with a commentator for each mat as well as television coverage in 160 countries and coverage on CNN as well as behind the scenes, live access and special features across the IJF’s social media channels.
Mr. Marius VIZER, IJF President, made the opening address at the draw.
"Dear colleagues, dear distinguished guests, IJF Executive Commitee members, media, members of continents and National Federation's, all of the judo family, I welcome you all here to Budapest, Hungary for the 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships.
"After a successful Rio 2016 Olympic Games, judo now starts on the road to Tokyo 2020 and with the inclusion of a Mixed Team competition, there is everything to look forward to. We also have a new partnership with CNN as our sport continues to move forward with increased visibility.
"On Sunday evening the IJF hosts its 65th Anniversary gala and on Monday we have the honour to be joined on day one at the competition by some very special guests.
"I would like to thank the Hungarian Judo Association, and the Hungarian Government, for all of their work and tremendous partnership with the IJF to stage our signature competition as well as the IJF Congress and many other activities. I extend my gratitude to all members of the judo family who have supported the work of the IJF and I wish you all a fantastic World Championships."
Mr. Jean-Luc ROUGÉ, IJF General Secretary, said: "Good afternoon everyone, it is a pleasure to see the judo family united here in Budapest for the 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships. I wish you all a wonderful event and look forward to us spending many great days together over the next week."
Dr. TOTH Laszlo, Hungarian Judo Association President, said: "Dear Mr. President, dear honoured guests, friends, partners and media, I am delighted to see you here for the first senior World Judo Championships in Hungary. I welcome you all and hope you will all experience great hospitality, a fantastic judo competition and you will take away wonderful memories from Hungary. Thank you to all our partners, sponsors, supporters and everyone at the IJF and all members of the judo family. Best of luck to you all."
Mr. Vladimir BARTA, IJF Head Sport Director, said: "Welcome everyone to the most important draw of the year. I hope the best for your team and wish good luck to you all in the draw."
Following the draw, the IJF President Mr. Marius VIZER was joined by Mr. Chafik ELKETTANI, Morocco Judo Federation President, and Mr. Rachid TALBI ALAMI, Minister of Youth and Sport, to sign contracts for the World Openweight Championships, a Grand Prix and a Junior World Championships in the African nation.
London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist and former world silver medallist Marti MALLOY (USA) shared her observations on the draw.
"There are a lot of big categories and I am looking forward to the challenge. I know that to win the World Championships, it will be a very long day, this is my target. I have been to Budapest many times and always enjoyed my time here. This is a very friendly city but I am most at home in a judo environment and the sport is loved in Budapest so I can't wait to compete here."
Former world silver medallist TOTH Krisztian (HUN) said: "Welcome everyone to Budapest, I competed at the Cadet World Championships here in 2009 and I know that the people of Hungary will be right behind our team. I am ready to compete, I feel good and very focused.
"I know what I need to do to succeed next week and I am prepared to do everything I can at the biggest competition on the IJF World Judo Tour," added TOTH, below.
Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Varlam LIPARTELIANI (GEO) said: "My dream was always to win the Olympic Games in the -90kg category. This weight category is very important to my country and I wanted to add my name to our winners at the Olympics. I tried my best but it was not to be in Rio, as I came away with silver, and now I find a new motivation in a new weight category.
"I feel comfortable at -100kg and I am excited to test myself at a World Championships in my new category," said the Georgian ace, below.
The IJF is supporting over 50 nations to take part in the 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships 2017 including Cuba, DPR Korea, Panama and Venezuela.
For more information, please contact:
IJF Media & Communications Department
Mark Pickering, IJF Media Manager
Nicolas Messner, IJF Media Director
Email: press@ijf.org
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