Judo Events Face Last-Minute Hurdles at Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are just around the corner, but significant issues have arisen at the Arena Champ-de-Mars, where judo competitions are set to take place. Marius Vizer, the president of the International Judo Federation (IJF), expressed his frustration over the substandard conditions of the venue just days before the events begin. Concerns have been raised regarding the quality of the judo mats, which have not met the specifications required by the IJF. Vizer noted that the mats were poorly installed and that the venue was not adequately prepared for the demands of the competition.
In addition to the mat issues, logistical challenges are also a concern. The judo platform and weighing device were reported to be unprepared as of Wednesday, with the venue showing signs of neglect. Organizers are under pressure to ensure that everything is ready in time, especially since the event requires a rapid turnaround between matches. Despite these setbacks, the Paris 2024 press service reassured that the Arena Champ-de-Mars will be ready for the first competitions, acknowledging that they are addressing several critical points, including equipment assembly and site cleaning.
Moreover, the absence of certain qualified nations has raised eyebrows. Vizer lamented the lack of full participation, emphasizing that any missing nation is a loss for the Olympic spirit. He defended the decision to allow Russian athletes to compete as neutral participants, stating that all selections were based on rigorous assessments to ensure fairness. Vizer believes that sport should act as a unifying force, even in times of conflict, and he hopes for a fully inclusive competition at the Paris 2024 Games.
