The stage is set for the opening of the 2025 judo season with the Paris Grand Slam.
Following the Paris Olympics 2024, the city will once again host some of the world’s best judokas from 1–2 February.
For many of those stars, this event marks their first competitive return to the mat after the Olympic Games.
A total of 318 competitors from 54 nations will contest amid the electrifying atmosphere at the Accor Arena.
Judo Paris Grand Slam 2025: New rules
It is a common practice for the International Judo Federation (IJF) to update the rules at the start of every Olympic cycle to make the sport more dynamic and bring newness.
This time yuko score has been brought back and head throws reintroduced for seniors, among other amendments. These adjustments, which sparked debates among coaches, athletes, and fans alike, have debuted quietly at some smaller continental tournaments. However, the Paris Grand Slam will be the first major stage to witness their impact, interpretation, and implementation under the brightest of lights.
The tournament will determine how these changes will impact the future of judo.
Judo Paris Grand Slam 2025: Judokas making transition to new weight categories
Some of the judokas at the Paris Grand Slam will undertake newer weight challenges.
Three-time Olympian Toma Nikiforov from Belgium moves from the -100kg to the +100kg category, where he’ll test his skills against the sport’s heaviest hitters. Having claimed silver at the 2017 World Judo Open Championships against heavyweight legend Teddy Riner in the final, Nikiforov looks confident with his new move.
Frank de Wit of the Netherlands steps up to -90kgs marking a new beginning in the new year.
After winning everything there is to win in the -57kg category, Brazil’s Rafaela Silva has set the bar high at -63kgs. The Rio 2016 Olympic champion
Brazil’s Rafaela Silva, a Rio 2016 Olympic champion, also joins the list of athletes making bold moves. After winning everything there is to win in the -57kg category, Silva now targets glory at -63kgs.
Also Read: IJF Updates Judo Rules Ahead of 2028 Olympic Cycle: Know Details
Judo Paris Grand Slam 2024: Schedule
February 1, Saturday
- Men: -60kg, -66kg, -73kg
- Women: -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -63kg
February 2 , Sunday
- Men: -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, +100kg
- Women: -70kg, -78kg, +78kg
