Present for the International Judo Federation were IJF Vice President Mr Carlos Zegarra Presser, IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen Bagdasarov and Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta.
Present for the Peruvian Judo Federation were Peruvian Judo Federation President Mrs Maria Martinez Murciego, President of the Peruvian Olympic Committee Mr Reno Manyari Velazco and Pan-American Judo Confederation Sport Director Ms Kimberlie Rivera Tello.
The opening speech was delivered by Mr Carlos Zegarra Presser, “Good afternoon dear judo family, all local authorities, Peru Judo Federation President Mrs Maria Martinez Murciego, Sport Director Ms Rivera Tello, dear IJF colleagues, athletes and coaches, welcome to the draw for the 2026 Lima Grand Prix.
On behalf of the International Judo Federation and President Marius Vizer, I express our gratitude to the local organisers. We know it is not easy to organise such a high level event and so we offer respect to federation President Mrs Martinez Murciego and the whole team for their effort. We know the reality of the political situation in Peru but you continue to work hard for this successful event for all athletes on the World Judo Tour. I also thank the President of Peru, the Minister of Education Mr José Antonio Chang Escobedo and Pan-American Judo Confederation officials for their unceasing support to host this event. I wish everyone good luck; see you next time.”
Mr Reno Manyari Velazco then took the floor, “Hello again, dear family of judo. For Peru it’s absolutely amazing to have you here; I am delighted you have come here for this event. Of course, we are grateful to all authorities and President Marius Vizer who trust in the high capacities of the Peru Judo Federation, for us to hold this great event.
We will enjoy the emotions and experiences we live together here but also it is about the great respect we all have for each other. Enjoy the hospitality of Peru and welcome to Lima!”
IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen Bagdasarov then noted the selection of referees from among the best in the world and reminded everyone of the review process on the World Judo Tour, facilitated by the commission and replay technicians.
IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta then ran the mechanics of the draw, thanking the IJF IT team for their hard work, not only in Lima but for the running of the Olympic qualification system.
Once the draw was completed for all categories, logistical information was given and subsequently posted on the IJF Telegram channel. The only thing left is for the first ‘Hajime!” to be called in the Videna Sport Complex in Lima.
Follow all the action live on JudoTV from 11am on Friday 14th August.