Record Entries For Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships 2024

A record 682 judokas from 110 countries will compete at the Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors 2024 Individuals and Mixed Teams. The event, organised by the International Judo Federation in coordination with the UAE Judo Federation, will be held in Abu Dhabi from 19th to 24th May. Last-minute registrations saw the number of athletes reach 682.

Of these participants, 362 will be men and 320 will be women, competing in seven different weight categories each. They will vie for a share of the total prize money of 1 million Euros. The women's categories include -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg, -78 kg, and +78 kg. The men's categories are -60 kg, -66 kg, -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg, and +100 kg.

The UAE national team is among the leading favourites, along with strong contenders from France, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Algeria, and Tunisia. The championships will feature notable judokas such as Frenchman Teddy Riner, who holds the distinction of being both the youngest and oldest world champion.

Other prominent world champions participating include Yang Yung-wei of Taiwan (-60kg), Matthias Casse of Belgium (-81kg), and Tajikistan’s Temur Rakhimov (+100kg) in the men’s competition. Confirmed participants in the women’s categories include Italy’s Assunta Scutto (-48kg), Canada’s Christa Deguchi (-57kg) and Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (-48kg), and Croatia’s Barbara Matic (-70kg).

The draw of lots will take place on Saturday (18th May). Individual competitions will commence on Sunday (19th May) and continue until 23rd May. The final day (24th May) will be dedicated to the Mixed Teams competitions. Tickets for the event can be obtained online through the Virgin Megastore website.

Organisers' Remarks

Mohammed bin Tha’aloob Saleem Al Darie, President of the UAE Judo Federation and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming response to the competition. He noted that attracting a record number of countries and having many former and current world champions participate reflects the event's prestige.

"The overwhelming response to the registration till the final hours of deadline reflects the keenness of all countries and players to participate in the competition. Not only have we been able to attract a record 110 countries, we have also managed to have most of the former and current world champions lining up for a slice of the action in Abu Dhabi," he added.

The Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors 2024 promises to be a significant event in the judo calendar, showcasing top talent from around the globe.

With inputs from WAM