Lausanne Set to Open a New Chapter on the World Judo Tour

Lausanne Judo Grand Slam 2026 is moving closer, and the event already stands out in Judo for more than one reason. From 28th to 30th August 2026, Lausanne will host a World Judo Tour grand slam for the first time, bringing a major international stage to the Vaudoise Arena.

That alone makes this an important moment for Swiss Judo, but the event is also expected to break new ground. According to the IJF, this will be the first time in grand slam history that elite judo and para-judo competitions are organised together, under the same conditions and on the same platform. It is a strong statement about inclusion, equality and mutual respect, values that have always been central to Judo.

The scale of the competition is also notable. Around 600 elite athletes and 300 para-athletes from more than 50 nations are expected in Lausanne, with close to 12,000 spectators anticipated across the three competition days. For a city already known as the Olympic capital, this is another major step in strengthening its place on the international Judo calendar.

Lausanne is not just hosting a tournament, it is stepping into Judo history.

Big names are set to add even more attention to the inaugural edition. Teddy Riner is among the athletes announced for the competition, a detail that immediately raises the profile of the event. At the same time, home supporters will have their own reason to watch closely, with Swiss athletes preparing to compete in front of a local crowd on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Among the Swiss names mentioned by the organisers are April Fohouo, the U21 world champion, as well as Binta Ndiaye and Daniel Eich. For local fans, that home connection could make the atmosphere even more special, especially at a first edition that already carries extra meaning.

April Fohouo underlined that feeling in comments shared by the organisers, saying she is proud to welcome a grand slam to Switzerland and to compete in front of the public in her hometown. She also described the event as a great opportunity for Swiss Judo. Those words capture the wider mood around Lausanne 2026: this is not only about medals, but also about visibility, momentum and a chance for the sport to grow.

Behind the competition, there is also a longer-term plan. The event is supported by the Canton of Vaud, the City of Lausanne, the Swiss Judo Federation, the International Judo Federation and the Loterie Romande. The stated ambition is clear: to help establish Lausanne as a major host city for international Judo events in the future.

Swiss athletes will have a rare chance to fight at home on the World Judo Tour.

With less than 100 days to go at the time of the announcement, anticipation is building around a tournament that combines top-level sport with a meaningful new format. Lausanne Judo Grand Slam 2026 is shaping up as more than a debut. It looks set to become a landmark moment for Swiss Judo and for the wider World Judo Tour.

Tickets are already on sale through the official event website, and the organising committee has also launched a dedicated offer for clubs.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation