Turkiye stands emphasizes the importantce of Grand Slam Antalya after the tragedy

If the sporting value of the grand slam in Antalya is undeniable, the fact that, on 6th February, Türkiye was hit hard in the heart by the earthquake of which killed thousands, bringing a strong symbolic value. The IJF reminded the great sadness and stood in solidarity reminding the people who have all been affected by the recent tragedy in Türkiye.

The draw for a World Judo Tour event is always a highly anticipated moment, one that sets the tone for the next three days. This moment was once again crucial and perhaps even more anticipated in Antalya, since this grand slam is the last event before the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023, which will take place in May, but also because the competition in Türkiye attracted a very large number of athletes: 600 competitors (337 men and 263 women) from 83 countries.

Turkish Judo federation President and former top athlete Sezer Huysuz: “Having you here, we feel much better. It will help us to recover from this tragedy. Thank you for being with us all the time and thank you again for coming here in this beautiful city of Antalya. I wish to see you again and again. I wish good luck to everyone on the road to the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023."

On 6th April the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace will celebrate its tenth anniversary and that the international judo family will once again be associated with it. The Judo for Peace programme has been running in the Kilis region since 2014, offering the local and refugee population from Syria tools to build a better world. As the region was also hit by the earthquake, this visit will be a support to those affected by the disaster while offering a practical presence to the population.

This final World Judo Tour event before the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023, from 7th to 14th May, is the assurance of an incredible Antalya Grand Slam.