DOHA (Qatar): The stage is set for the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Judo Doha Masters 2021, which will start tomorrow at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
The three-day event, which takes place at the ultra-modern venue, is a qualifying event for 2020 Tokyo Games.
The hall is looking splendidly radiant after the branding’s completion, and the necessary makeovers have also been done as Doha is set to host some of the world’s best judokas.
“I would like to thank the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his government, the National Olympic Committee, the Asian Judo Union, the Qatari Judo Federation for making this major event possible,” said IJF President Marius Vizer.
Top on the list of top judokas who will be in action includes Teddy Riner of France, a two-time Olympic gold winner and 10-time world champion in the +100kg, Idalys Ortiz of Cuba – the 2012 Olympic gold medallist in the +78kg female category, and Japan’s Soichi Hashimoto — world No.1 in the lightweight division and four-time World Championships gold medallist.
“The tournament will feature over 399 judokas — 215 male and 184 female — from 69 countries representing five
continental federations namely the African Judo Union, Judo Union of Asia, and European Judo Union, Oceania
Judo Union and Pan-American Judo Confederation,” said IJF Head Sport Director Vladimir Barta following the draws that were held on Sunday.
Aside from the branding and venue preparation, the tournament organisers are also not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that the competition is held under the safest condition given the current global COVID 19 pandemic.
“We are very happy to welcome you to our country. After the organisation of the IJF Refereeing and Coaching Seminar last year and with the 2023 World Championships on the horizon, our goal is to develop judo in order to make it an educational tool for our youth,” said Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation President Khalid Hamad Al Attiya.
The tournament will feature competition in seven categories for both men and women, and it will be streamed live
on the IJF website and social media channels.
