Mexico, which successfully hosted the World Masters event in Guadalajara last year, hosts its first ever Grand Prix in the ultimate tourist destination from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 Junew which is a gateway to Worlds selection and judo joy on the elite stage.
As the IJF World Judo Tour heats up on the road to Budapest, the sandy beaches, sparkling blue ocean and balmy temperatures of the Cancun in the South East of Mexico, are the picturesque backdrop for the three-day Grand Prix which has attracted Olympic and world medallists.
Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Odette GIUFFRIDA (ITA) is the one and only representative for her country while double Olympic bronze medallist Mayra AGUIAR (BRA) makes a timely return to action. World bronze medallist Victor PENALBER (BRA), heavyweight world number two David MOURA and London 2012 Olympic silver medallist UNGVARI Miklos (HUN) are also among the stars present in Cancun.
Mr. Armen BAGDASAROV, IJF Sports Director, revealed at the draw that 188 judoka would compete at #JudoCancun2017 from 36 nations (111 men and 77 women).
IJF President hails Mixed Team Event success for Tokyo 2020
Mr. Marius VIZER, IJF President, said: “Dear Manuel, dear colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen, it is a real pleasure to come for the first time in Cancun for a Grand Prix, I want to thank the government from Cancun, the Ministry of Sport, the Mexican Judo Federation and everyone here supporting the Grand Prix.”
“It is a great pleasure and an honour to announce that judo’s mixed team event will be in Tokyo 2020 Olympics and after as well in next Olympics.”
“I want to thank you for your efforts and dedication, I congratulate all coaches, athletes, the IJF team and Executive Committee and on behalf of the IJF I want to wish you a successful tournament. It is very good for Pan American judo to organise a Grand Prix in this region and I wish you all a lot of luck.”
IJF Ambassador Mr. Antonio Castro SOTO DEL VALLE (above) was among the honoured guests in attendance at the draw on Thursday.
“Thank you for your invite, I am very happy to stay here, we are sure this event will be a success with lots of support from the IJF and judoka from all regions,” he said. “I thank you for coming and we hope you enjoy this Grand Prix, hopefully it will be the first of many Grand Prix here in Cancun.”
Mr. Jesus Antonio LOPEZ PINZON, President of the Committee of Sport for Quintana Roo (COJUDEQ), said: “Good morning all, we would like to thank the IJF and Mr. Marius VIZER as it is very important for our country and our city of Cancun to host this really important event. We want to thank the Mexican Judo Federation and want to say a message to all cities and countries around the world that is a really good place. Thank you all for coming here and thank you for making us the hosts.”
Mr. Manuel LARRANAGA, Pan American Confederation and Mexican Judo Federation President, said: “Good morning everyone, on behalf of Mexican Judo Federation I would like to welcome you all here to Cancun. We would like to thank Mr. Marius VIZER for all of his support towards our country. We would also like to thank the governor of the city for letting us be the host city of this event.
“We would also like to thank Mr. PINZON for giving us all the facilities and tools to be the host city of this event. Thank you to our sponsors and the official hotels for supporting us. Welcome all to Cancun, this city of Paradise, and finally we thank Mr. VIZER once again for supporting us to stage this Grand Prix.”
While the draw was underway and throughout Thursday, the IJF staged an Instagram Takeover with London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist and former world silver medallist Marti MALLOY (USA) who competes on Friday.