Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)

Excitement is building up in Abu Dhabi as it gets set to host judo’s flagship event the World Judo Championship as well as two more key events of the final stages for the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) calendar. The period from May 19-24 will see Abu Dhabi as the cynosure of all focus from the world of the sport.

Now in its 37th edition, the World Championships is the final qualifying round for athletes and there is expected to be a frenzied race for the limited spots on offer towards qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. The judo competition in Paris is to be held from July 27 to August 2.

Meanwhile, tickets have gone on sale for general public to attend and take in the excitement and charm at the Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors 2024 Individuals and Mixed Teams to be held in the UAE Capital in the second half of May. 

The organising commitee is targeting audiences from across the UAE and the region for this mega sporting event, to be held at the Mubadala Arena.

Organised by the International Judo Federation in close coordination with the UAE Judo Federation, the week-long competition is expecting to host hundreds of judokas from more than 100 nations from around the world.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Tha’aloob Saleem Al Darie, President of the UAE Judo Federation expressed his delight at the opening of ticket sales for the grand sporting extravaganza that is being hosted for the first time by Abu Dhabi. 

“The excitement could not get better, especially because this event is the final grand competition before the 2024 Paris Olympics,” Al Darie said.

Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, said: “Abu Dhabi is no stranger to us as an exemplary IJF host nation, having provided the perfect conditions for an outstanding 2023 World Championships Veterans and World Championships Kata, alongside the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, the Emirates again lend their expertise, organisation and friendship to the judo family,” Vizer said.

“This final global liaison of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification period is entrusted to the UAE Judo Federation because we know we are in safe hands. We will enjoy the perfect mix of spectacle, excellence and hospitality with athletes from all continents being welcomed here once again,” he added.

Daily tickets have been reasonably priced starting from Dh250 to Dh550. They are available on the Virgin Megastore website.

There is a cash allocation of €800,000 (Dh4 million) for individual competitions, being held in seven weights categories for men and women each.