For the first time, Switzerland will host a Grand Slam event, as the World Judo Tour arrives in the Olympic Capital at a particularly symbolic moment: at the heart of the qualification period for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Lausanne, home of the Olympic movement, will now become the stage upon which the world’s leading judoka pursue points, medals and dreams.
More significantly still, there were not one, nor two, but three draws. This weekend, the Vaudoise Arena will host three events under one roof: the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026, the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Adapted Judo Grand Slam 2026 and the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Deaf Judo Masters Top 18.
This is a powerful statement! Judo is for everyone, at every age and irrespective of physical or mental ability. By bringing together elite World Judo Tour athletes, adapted judoka and deaf judoka in the same venue, Switzerland, the Canton de Vaud and the International Judo Federation are giving that conviction its fullest possible expression.
For the World Judo Tour draw, IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta, IJF Sport Director Mr Kosei Inoue and IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen Bagdasarov were joined by Swiss Judo Federation President Mr Sergei Aschwanden, Sport Director Mr Dominique Hischier and Tracko President Mr Olivier Schmutz.
The adapted judo draw was attended by the same IJF representatives, Mr Aschwanden, as well as IJF Inclusion Commission members Ms Marina Draskovic and Mrs Kerry Tansey. For the Deaf Judo Masters Top 18, Deaf International Judo Federation President Mr Damien Antoine and Secretary General Mr Talgat Abdymamynov were present.
Opening the ceremony, Mr Barta said, “On behalf of IJF President Marius Vizer, it is a great honour to welcome you to Lausanne for the first-ever Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam. At the heart of the qualification period for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the arrival of the World Judo Tour in the Olympic Capital carries a powerful meaning for all of us. The world’s best judoka will compete here with respect for the rules, the values and the ethics of our sport. This event will also embrace inclusion by opening its doors to people with disabilities. Welcome to Lausanne, Switzerland, for what promises to be a truly memorable event. Good luck to all participants.”
Mr Aschwanden underlined the exceptional nature of the occasion, “We are delighted to welcome you here. It is historic for us to be able to host the grand slam as well as the two other events at the same time and in the same venue. We hope for excellent contests in a wonderful spirit. I would like to thank the IJF president for his trust in our team and in our ability to deliver all three events.”
The representatives of the Inclusion Commission and the Deaf International Judo Federation shared the same pride. “The adapted community is truly proud to be here and we are looking forward to many great contests,” said Ms Draskovic. “It is the first time in history that this has happened in this format, with our judoka competing alongside World Judo Tour athletes. Through this initiative, we are changing the narrative and setting an example for many organisations around the world.”
Mr Antoine also highlighted the importance of this shared celebration, delivered in sign language. “Judo is setting an example for the whole sporting movement. We are particularly happy to be here, together, as one great judo family.”
The Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam begins at 08:30 on the first two days, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 16:20 on day two. The final day begins at 09:30. Medal contests will take place every evening from 17:00.
The Adapted Judo Grand Slam will be held over one day on Friday, beginning at 08:30, with the medal ceremony at 15:00. The Deaf Judo Masters Top 18 will take place over two days, beginning at 08:30 on Saturday 29th August and at 09:30 on Sunday 30th August, with its medal ceremony scheduled for 15:00.
This weekend, Lausanne will welcome the world. More than that, it will show what the world of judo can be: ambitious, united, inclusive and open to all. Follow all the action on https://judotv.com/, our social media platform and on the IJF website.