Judo Olympics 2024: Highlights, Athletes, and Schedules

Judo Olympics 2024 enthusiasts, mark your calendars! From July 27 to August 3, the Grand Palais Éphémère near the Eiffel Tower will host the events.

This temporary venue, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, accommodates 8,356 spectators, 372 judokas and features accessible amenities.

The event promises intense matches, where judokas will demonstrate throws (nage-waza), grappling (katame-waza), and joint locks (kansetsu-waza).

France, the host nation, has a rich judo history with champions like Teddy Riner.

Judokas like Lukas Krpalek, Shohei Ono, Uta Abe, Hifumi Abe and Clarisse Agbegnenou are among the favorites, bringing experience and skill to the tatami.

For Judo Olympics 2024 Results you can visit our blog post.

Rising Judo stars to watch are Assunta Scutto and Fransisco Garrigos.

Judo Olympics 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Dates: July 27 to August 3
  • Venue: Grand Palais Éphémère, near the Eiffel Tower
  • Design: By Jean-Michel Wilmotte
  • Capacity: 8,356 spectators
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible via Météro lines 6, 8, and 10, with nearby stops including La Motte-Picquet - Grenelle and Séguer. The venue offers facilities for wheelchair users and people with disabilities, ensuring a welcoming environment for all spectators.
  • Participants: 372 elite judokas (186 men and 186 women)
  • Events: 14 weight classes equally divided between men and women and a mixed team event
  • Format: Single-elimination with a repechage system
  • Schedule: Morning and afternoon sessions, with medal rounds primarily in the afternoon

Who is qualified for Judo Paris 2024?

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, the judo qualification landscape is taking shape with several athletes securing their spots on the tatami. Team GB has made waves in the judo world, announcing five female judokas for their Olympic squad. This lineup includes the talented Chelsie Giles, an Olympic bronze medalist, and Lucy Renshall, both gearing up for their second Games appearance.

The global judo community is buzzing with excitement as nations like Japan, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Israel, Republic of Korea, Turkey, Italy, Serbia, and Spain have already qualified full teams of six judokas for the mixed team event. This early qualification showcases the depth of talent and competitive spirit across these countries.

The road to Paris 2024 is still ongoing for many judokas worldwide. Athletes are battling it out on the tatami, earning valuable points through World Tour events until the cutoff date of June 23, 2024. The qualification process is a test of skill, strategy, and endurance, with judokas vying for coveted spots in the Olympic rankings.

For those keeping score, the top 17 judokas in each weight category from the world ranking list will punch their tickets directly to the Games. However, there's a catch - each National Olympic Committee is limited to one judoka per division, ensuring a diverse representation of nations on the Olympic stage.

As the clock ticks down to Paris 2024, the judo world remains in flux, with rankings and qualifications subject to change. For judo enthusiasts and Olympic fans alike, the International Judo Federation's Olympic Ranking List serves as the go-to resource for the most up-to-date information on qualified judokas and current Olympic standings.

The stage is set for an electrifying judo competition at Paris 2024, where the world's top judokas will showcase their ippon-worthy skills and fight for Olympic glory. As the qualification journey continues, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling display of this ancient martial art on the modern Olympic stage. 

How To Get Tickets to Judo Olympics 2024?

What Is The Competition Structure Of The Judo Olympics 2024?

  • Format: Single elimination with a repechage system for those losing in the quarterfinals and semifinals, providing a second chance to compete for bronze medals
  • Schedule: Morning and afternoon sessions, with matches lasting four minutes and extending into golden score overtime if no winner is determined
  • Weight Classes: 14 (7 men’s and 7 women’s)
  • Mixed Team Event: Held on the final day, August 3
  • Match Duration: Four minutes, with golden score overtime if no winner is determined
  • Scoring: Ippon (perfect throw, pinning for 20 seconds, or submission), Waza-ari (lesser throws or pins lasting 10-19 seconds), two Waza-aris equal an Ippon
  • Penalties: Shido (minor infringement), Hansoku-make (grave infringement, three Shidos lead to Hansoku-make)

Each day will feature competitions for one women's and one men's weight category, culminating in the mixed team event on August 3. For more information on athletes and viewing options, keep exploring.

How To Qualify To Judo Olympics 2024?

The International Judo Federation (IJF) oversees the qualification process, which involves a world ranking list. The top 17 judokas in each weight category will earn direct qualification, with additional spots available through continental quotas.

The qualification period spans from June 24, 2022, to June 23, 2024, with the final eligibility list published on June 25, 2024. Each National Olympic Committee can qualify a maximum of 14 athletes (seven men and seven women).

  • Qualification Period: June 24, 2022, to June 23, 2024
  • Direct Qualification: Top 17 athletes in each weight category from the world ranking list
  • NOC Quota: Each National Olympic Committee can enter up to 14 judokas (7 men and 7 women)
  • Host Nation: France is guaranteed one athlete per weight category
  • Continental Quotas:
    • Europe: 13 men, 12 women
    • Africa: 12 men, 12 women
    • Americas: 10 men, 11 women
    • Asia: 10 men, 10 women
    • Oceania: 5 men, 5 women
  • Mixed Team Event: Countries qualifying athletes in all six weight classes automatically secure a spot. Host nation France is guaranteed one athlete per weight category.

Judo Paris 2024 Athlete Highlights

As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games approach, several key athletes in judo are capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.

  • Dominant Performers: Uta Abe and Hifumi Abe from Japan, both unbeaten since 2019 and Olympic champions.
  • Experienced Champions: Clarisse Agbegnenou of France and Teddy Riner, both with multiple world titles and aiming for more Olympic golds.
  • Rising Stars: Assunta Scutto and Fransisco Garrigos, who have rapidly ascended the ranks and are strong contenders for medals in their categories.

Among the top female contenders, Uta Abe, a dominant force in the -52 kg division, remains unbeaten since 2019 and is the reigning Olympic champion.

Distria Krasniqi, who moved up to the 52 kg division after winning Olympic gold in the 48 kg category in Tokyo, also stands out with her impressive record.

Assunta Scutto has rapidly ascended the world rankings, leading the -48 kg category with three grand slam golds in 2023.

On the men's side, Hifumi Abe, Uta's brother, has maintained an unbeaten streak since 2019 and is expected to shine in the -66 kg division.

Fransisco Garrigos, the current world champion in the -60 kg division, has shown remarkable consistency.

Teddy Riner, aiming for his fourth consecutive Olympic gold in the +100 kg category, remains a key figure.

Lukas Krpalek seeks to secure his third Olympic gold, having previously won in two different weight categories.

These athletes are expected to shine in Paris, making the judo competitions highly anticipated events of the games.

What Is The Judo Olympics Paris 2024 Historical Context?

Judo's inclusion in the 1964 Tokyo Games marked a significant milestone, introducing the world to this ancient Japanese martial art in the Olympic arena.

Founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, judo emphasizes maximum efficiency with minimum effort and mutual welfare and benefit.

Since its debut, judo has become a staple of the Summer Olympics, showcasing top athletes worldwide.

Judo Paris 2024 Historical Context

  • 1964 Tokyo: Judo's Olympic debut.
  • 1988 Seoul: Women's judo introduced as a demonstration sport.
  • 1992 Barcelona: Women's judo became an official medal event.
  • 2020 Tokyo: Introduction of the mixed team event.
  • 2024 Paris: Continuation of judo's Olympic presence.

What Rules And Regulations Are Set For Judo Olympics 2024?

Competing judokas at the 2024 Olympics in Paris will adhere to a stringent set of rules designed to guarantee fair play and safety.

Each match lasts four minutes, with a golden score overtime if no winner emerges in regulation.

Scoring an ippon—achieved through a perfect throw, pinning an opponent for 20 seconds, or forcing submission—immediately ends the match.

A waza-ari is awarded for lesser throws or pins lasting 10-19 seconds, and two waza-aris equal an ippon.

Penalties like shido (minor infringement) and hansoku-make (grave infringement) maintain discipline. Three shidos lead to a hansoku-make, ending the match.

This rigorous rule system underscores the commitment to fairness and safety in Olympic judo, guaranteeing a secure and trustworthy environment for competitors.

What Is The Schedules For Judo Olympics 2024

The judo competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics will feature 15 events, divided equally between men and women, along with a mixed team event. This structure ensures gender parity and provides a platform for judokas to showcase their skills across various weight categories.

Men's Events

The men's judo events are categorized into seven weight classes:

  • Extra-lightweight (60 kg)
  • Half-lightweight (66 kg)
  • Lightweight (73 kg)
  • Half-middleweight (81 kg)
  • Middleweight (90 kg)
  • Half-heavyweight (100 kg)
  • Heavyweight (+100 kg)

Each weight class will see judokas competing in elimination rounds, leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal bouts. The competition is fierce, with athletes aiming to throw, pin, or submit their opponents to secure victory.

Women's Events

Similarly, the women's judo events are divided into seven weight classes:

  • Extra-lightweight (48 kg)
  • Half-lightweight (52 kg)
  • Lightweight (57 kg)
  • Half-middleweight (63 kg)
  • Middleweight (70 kg)
  • Half-heavyweight (78 kg)
  • Heavyweight (+78 kg)

The women's events follow the same competitive structure as the men's, with elimination rounds progressing to the finals. The inclusion of these weight classes ensures a comprehensive representation of female judokas from around the world.

Mixed Team Event

The mixed team event, introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will return in Paris. This event features teams composed of three men and three women, each competing in different weight categories:

  • Men's weight classes: -73 kg, -90 kg, +90 kg
  • Women's weight classes: -57 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg

The mixed team event adds a unique dynamic to the judo competition, emphasizing teamwork and strategy. Teams must work together to accumulate points, with the highest-scoring team emerging victorious.

Judo Olympics 2024 Daily Schedule

The daily schedule for the judo events in Paris 2024 is as follows:

Saturday, July 27

  • 10:00 AM: Women's -48 kg and Men's -60 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Women's -48 kg and Men's -60 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Women's -48 kg and Men's -60 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Women's -48 kg and Men's -60 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Women's -48 kg and Men's -60 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Women's -48 kg and Men's -60 kg Finals

Sunday, July 28

  • 10:00 AM: Men's -66 kg and Women's -52 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Men's -66 kg and Women's -52 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Men's -66 kg and Women's -52 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Men's -66 kg and Women's -52 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Men's -66 kg and Women's -52 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Men's -66 kg and Women's -52 kg Finals

Monday, July 29

  • 10:00 AM: Women's -57 kg and Men's -73 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Women's -57 kg and Men's -73 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Women's -57 kg and Men's -73 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Women's -57 kg and Men's -73 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Women's -57 kg and Men's -73 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Women's -57 kg and Men's -73 kg Finals

Tuesday, July 30

  • 10:00 AM: Men's -81 kg and Women's -63 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Men's -81 kg and Women's -63 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Men's -81 kg and Women's -63 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Men's -81 kg and Women's -63 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Men's -81 kg and Women's -63 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Men's -81 kg and Women's -63 kg Finals

Wednesday, July 31

  • 10:00 AM: Women's -70 kg and Men's -90 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Women's -70 kg and Men's -90 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Women's -70 kg and Men's -90 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Women's -70 kg and Men's -90 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Women's -70 kg and Men's -90 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Women's -70 kg and Men's -90 kg Finals

Thursday, August 1

  • 10:00 AM: Women's -78 kg and Men's -100 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Women's -78 kg and Men's -100 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Women's -78 kg and Men's -100 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Women's -78 kg and Men's -100 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Women's -78 kg and Men's -100 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Women's -78 kg and Men's -100 kg Finals

Friday, August 2

  • 10:00 AM: Women's +78 kg and Men's +100 kg Elimination Rounds
  • 12:20 PM: Women's +78 kg and Men's +100 kg Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 1:16 PM: Women's +78 kg and Men's +100 kg Quarterfinals
  • 4:00 PM: Women's +78 kg and Men's +100 kg Repechage and Semifinals
  • 5:18 PM: Women's +78 kg and Men's +100 kg Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:38 PM: Women's +78 kg and Men's +100 kg Finals

Saturday, August 3

  • 8:00 AM: Mixed Team Preliminary Rounds and Elimination Rounds of 16
  • 9:40 AM: Mixed Team Quarterfinals
  • 10:40 AM: Mixed Team Repechage
  • 11:15 AM: Mixed Team Semifinals
  • 4:00 PM: Mixed Team Bronze Medal Contests
  • 5:20 PM: Mixed Team Final
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