Rio Grand Slam has 390 judokas from 42 countries confirmed

On the 22nd and 23rd of May Rio de Janeiro will be home to the athletes disputing the Grand Slam at the Maracanãzinho Gymnasium. The events it’s the biggest judo event held in the city since the World Championship in 2007 with 390 judokas from 42 countries confirmed to take part in it. Amongst these are some of the most important countries of the judo world such as Japan, France, Russia and Holland. In 2009, the event hosted 200 athletes from 25 nations.

The Rio Grand Slam is the first event of its category to be worth points that will define who will GO to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Brazil will be represented by 56 athletes; amongst them are Olympians and World Champions. Usually each country is allowed to entry up to two athletes per category, but as Brazil is the host country, it will be allowed four athletes per weight category. The god medal is worth 300 points, the silver 180 and the bronze 120. In 2009, the Brazilian team went up the podium ten time during the Rio Grand Slam – winning one gold medal, four silver and five bronze.

To see the complete list of countries and more details about the event go to the Brazil Judo World Tour website. Click HERE.