The world’s leading judoka are preparing to compete at the IJF Grand Prix in Lima, where the Peruvian capital just hosted the World Junior Championships and the third Grand Prix of the 2025 IJF World Judo Tour is about to get underway. The city’s warm South American climate offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend of high-level competition and hard work on the tatami.
A total of 288 athletes from 49 nations are ready to take to the mats, marking another important milestone for judo in South America. For many local competitors, this will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity: it is the first time that a Grand Prix event will be staged on this part of the continent. The only previous IJF World Tour event in South America was the Grand Slam in Brasília, held in 2019.
Among the international entries, several European nations will be strongly represented. Azerbaijan will travel to Lima with one of the largest delegations, including Olympic champions Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev. Israel will also bring a powerful team, featuring former world champion and Olympic silver medallist, Inbar Lanir and heavyweight contender, also Olympic silver medallist, Raz Hershko. The Israeli team endured frustration earlier this year at the World Championships in Budapest, where travel restrictions prevented them from competing, and they are now eager to make a strong return to the international stage.
Italy’s line-up includes some of its brightest names, such as 2025 junior European champion, 2025 junior world bronze medallist and Paris 2024 Olympian, Savita Russo. Joining her, also an Olympian, Asya Tavano. Both judoka will be aiming for the podium in Lima. France, as always, travels with strength and depth, led by Amandine Buchard and Faiza Mokdar, alongside a number of younger athletes stepping up from the junior ranks, including Kelvin Ray. Despite strong European representation, the balance of power this weekend is likely to shift towards the Pan Americans. Large teams from Brazil and the United States are expected to challenge for multiple medals, adding an extra edge to the competition.
The Lima Grand Prix will also serve as a springboard for the next major event in the region, with Guadalajara, Mexico set to host the following Grand Prix. For Peru, this marks another significant step in its growing role within world judo. After successfully staging the cadet world championships last year, Lima has quickly become one of the sport’s most dynamic new destinations. Fans around the world can follow all the action live on JudoTV.com, as the athletes of the World Judo Tour continue to pursuit their dreams.
Author: Hans Van Essen