According to Euronews reporting, the International Judo Federation (IJF) and the Swiss Judo Federation signed a contract on August 30, 2026, to bring the 2028 World Championships to Switzerland. The agreement was finalized at the Vaudoise Arena during the ECOLE MONT-OLIVET LAUSANNE GRAND SLAM, establishing Lausanne as a central hub for international sport.
Official Contract Signing Secures 2028 World Championships for Switzerland
Before competition began at the Vaudoise Arena, IJF President Marius Vizer and Swiss Judo Federation President Sergei Aschwanden executed the formal agreement, according to Euronews. The announcement drew applause from international sports officials and local dignitaries in attendance.
President Vizer subsequently declared the Lausanne Grand Slam officially open, following addresses by Emilie Moëschler, Lausanne’s director of sports and social cohesion; Christelle Luisier Brodard, president of the Council of State of Vaud; Sergei Aschwanden; and Damien Antoine, president of the Deaf International Judo Federation. During the opening ceremonies, Kazuhiro Mikami Sensei received his 10th dan, recognized as the highest rank in judo.
Pro Tip: When analyzing international sports federation agreements, always check the governing body’s primary registry for official venue announcements and host city timelines.
Adaptive Judo Integration on the World Tour Tatami
Continuing an initiative to unify elite competition with adaptive disciplines, deaf judoka competed directly alongside their world tour peers on the tatami. The integration highlights ongoing efforts by the IJF to incorporate adaptive athletes into major Grand Slam events.
Concurrently, the competition featured entries from athletes with intellectual impairments under Virtus sanctioning. According to Virtus coverage, eligibility for these integrated divisions spans the II1, II2, and II3 sport classes meeting Judo Ability Levels 1 and 2 criteria, with registration coordinated through Lisa Allan Trako and Sergei Aschwanden.
Mat Results and Medal Ceremonies in Lausanne
On the competition mats, the tournament delivered decisive outcomes across multiple weight classes, with medals awarded by prominent sports executives.
- Women’s -63 kg: Poland’s Angelika Szymanska capitalized on a failed attack by Manon Deketer, securing a win via her trademark arm lock, according to Euronews. IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christoph Dubi presented the medals.
- Men’s -73 kg: Brazil’s Daniel Cargnin staged a comeback with a counter-attack to defeat his opponent and claim gold, with Swiss World Champion Nils Stump watching from the stands. ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos awarded the medal.
- Women’s -70 kg: Germany’s Miriam Butkereit defeated compatriot Giovanna Scoccimarro in a closely contested final. CBH Bank CEO Simon Benhamou presented the awards.
- Men’s -81 kg: Abylaikhan Zhubanazar of Kazakhstan secured the title using a foot sweep for yuko, with IOC Member Mustapha Berraf handling the medal presentation.
For the host nation, Aurélien Bonferroni delivered a standout result by capturing a bronze medal, capping a strong performance for the Swiss team across the tournament’s second day.
Did You Know? Lausanne holds the designation of Olympic Capital, hosting numerous international sports federation headquarters alongside major events like the Grand Slam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who signed the contract for the 2028 World Championships?
According to Euronews, IJF President Marius Vizer and Swiss Judo Federation President Sergei Aschwanden signed the agreement prior to the Lausanne Grand Slam.
Which adaptive athletes participated in the Lausanne Grand Slam?
Deaf judoka competed directly on the tatami alongside world tour athletes, while Virtus-sanctioned events provided pathways for athletes with intellectual impairments in classes II1, II2, and II3.
Who won medals for the host nation Switzerland?
Aurélien Bonferroni won a bronze medal for Switzerland during the second day of competition.
Want to stay updated on international judo developments and upcoming Grand Slam results? Subscribe to our newsletter or leave a comment below to join the discussion.