Record Participation at Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships 2024

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: A record-breaking 682 judokas from 110 countries will compete at the Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors 2024 Individuals and Mixed Teams, taking place from May 19th to 24th. Organized by the International Judo Federation in coordination with the UAE Judo Federation, this event marks a significant milestone in the sport’s history.

The week-long competition has drawn last-minute registrations from across the globe, bringing the total number of athletes to 682. Among these, 362 are men and 320 are women, each vying for a share of the 1 million Euros total prize money in seven different weight categories.

Women will compete in the -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg, -78 kg, and +78 kg weight categories, while men will contend in the -60 kg, -66 kg, -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg, and +100 kg weight categories.

The UAE national team is among the leading favorites, along with strong contenders from France, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Algeria, and Tunisia.

The World Championships in Abu Dhabi will feature some of judo’s legends, including Frenchman Teddy Riner, who holds the distinction of being both the youngest and the oldest world champion. Other prominent world champions in the men’s competition include Yang Yung-wei of Taiwan (-60kg), Matthias Casse of Belgium (-81kg), and Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan (+100 kg).

In the women’s categories, confirmed participants include Italy’s Assunta Scutto (-48kg), the Canadian duo of Christa Deguchi (-57kg) and Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (-48kg), and Croatia’s Barbara Matic (-70kg).

Mohammed bin Tha’aloob Saleem Al Darie, President of the UAE Judo Federation and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, expressed his excitement over the record participation. “The overwhelming response to the registration till the final hours of the 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, but 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 said.

The draw of lots will take place on Saturday, May 18th, with individual competitions starting on Sunday, May 19th, and running until May 23rd. The championships will conclude with the Mixed Teams competitions on May 24th.

The Abu Dhabi World Championships promise to be a landmark event, showcasing the highest levels of talent and competition in the sport of judo.