The inaugural IJF Ecole Mont-Olivet Grand Slam concluded Monday in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the crowning of five gold medalists [1].
This event marks a significant expansion of elite judo in Switzerland, combining high-stakes competition with a strategic push to host future global tournaments.
Gold medals were awarded to Bozorov, Olek, Sulamanidze, Fontaine, and Tasoev [1]. Aurélien Bonferroni secured a bronze medal during the competition [1]. The event featured a series of finals that capped off the first edition of the Grand Slam at the Ecole Mont-Olivet [1], [3].
Beyond the competitive bouts, the tournament emphasized the sport's growth through an inclusive kata demonstration. This showcase highlighted adaptive judo, aiming to bring more visibility to inclusive practices within the martial art [2].
The gathering served as more than a sporting competition. Officials used the event to formalize a hosting agreement for the 2028 World Championships [2]. This agreement ensures that Switzerland will remain a central hub for international judo in the coming years [2].
The competition took place on Aug. 31 [1], [3]. The event combined traditional judo excellence with a forward-looking approach to inclusivity and organizational growth in the region [2].
“The inaugural IJF Ecole Mont-Olivet Grand Slam concluded Monday in Lausanne, Switzerland.”
The successful launch of the Lausanne Grand Slam and the subsequent agreement to host the 2028 World Championships signal Switzerland's growing influence in the International Judo Federation (IJF) circuit. By integrating adaptive judo demonstrations into a premier sporting event, the IJF is signaling a shift toward greater inclusivity in the sport's global presentation.
