Lausanne Grand Slam 2026 Opens with Historic Swiss Judo Milestone

Lausanne Hosts Historic Judo Event as 2028 World Championships Secured for Switzerland

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The city of Lausanne has become the epicenter of world judo as the Lausanne Grand Slam 2026 kicks off at the Vaudoise Arena, marking a landmark day for Swiss judo. The event coincides with the signing of the host agreement for the 2028 World Judo Championships, solidifying Switzerland’s place on the global judo calendar. Organized by the International Judo Federation (IJF) and supported by Swiss Judo and local authorities, the Grand Slam has drawn athletes, officials, and spectators for three days of high-level competition.

The day began with a historic signing ceremony at the Vaudoise Arena. Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, and Sergei Ashchwanden, President of the Swiss Judo Federation, officially inked the contract to bring the 2028 World Judo Championships to Switzerland. The agreement was witnessed by Emilie Moëschler, Director of Sports and Social Cohesion for Lausanne, and Christelle Luisier Brodard, President of the Council of State of Vaud, underscoring strong regional and national support for the event.

Following the signing, Vizer inaugurated the Grand Slam, a prestigious event on the IJF World Tour. The opening ceremony also featured speeches from key figures including Christelle Luisier Brodard, Sergei Ashchwanden, and Damien Antoine, President of the Deaf International Judo Federation, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sport.

One of the most notable moments of the day was the participation of adaptive judoka alongside elite athletes, with deaf judoka competing on the tatami in a first for the Grand Slam. This integration reflects judo’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

On the competition floor, action was fierce. In the -63 kg category, Poland’s Angelika Szymanska capitalized on a mistake by France’s Manon Deketer, securing victory with a signature armlock. The medal ceremony was presided over by Christoph Dubi, IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, at the Vaudoise Arena.

In the -73 kg final, Brazil’s Daniel Cargnin stunned the crowd with a dramatic counterattack to defeat Switzerland’s Nils Stump, the reigning World Champion. Cargnin celebrated the win as a crucial step toward Olympic qualification. The gold medal was presented by Ingmar De Vos, President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).

Germany’s Miriam Butkereit edged out teammate Giovanna Scoccimarro in the -70 kg final, with Butkereit taking the gold. The award ceremony was conducted by Simon Benhamou, CEO of CBH Bank.

In the -81 kg category, Kazakhstan’s Abylaikhan Zhubanazar claimed victory with a rapid foot sweep, earning a yuko score in a tightly contested match. The medal was presented by Mustapha Berraf, an IOC Member.

Switzerland celebrated strong performances across categories, capped by Aurelien Bonferroni’s bronze medal in the -90 kg event, delighting the home crowd. The final day of competition is set to continue the momentum, with athletes vying for top honors.

The Lausanne Grand Slam 2026 continues to showcase elite judo, international cooperation, and inclusion, reinforcing Switzerland’s growing role in the sport’s global landscape.

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