Lausanne Grand Slam seals 2028 World Judo Championships deal and showcases inclusive competition

The Lausanne Grand Slam returned to the Vaudoise Arena, where International Judo Federation president Marius Vizer and Swiss Judo Federation president Sergei Ashchwanden signed a pact to host the 2028 World Judo Championships in Switzerland, after which Vizer officially opened the tournament. Officials including Emilie Moëschler, Christelle Luisier Brodard, Sergei Ashchwanden and Demien Antoine delivered remarks, and Kazuhiro Mikami was honored with his 10th-dan rank.

The competition saw Angelika Szymanska defeat Manon Deketer in the -63 kg final, Daniel Cargnin rally for gold in the -73 kg class, and Abylaikhan Zhubanazar secure the -81 kg title, with medals awarded by IOC’s Christoph Dubi, ASOIF’s Ingmar De Vos, and IOC member Mustapha Berraf. German judokas Miriam Butkereit and Giovanna Scoccimarro contested the -70 kg final, while Swiss athlete Aurelien Bonferroni earned a bronze. Deaf judoka participated throughout, underscoring the event’s inclusive focus.