The 2026 Lima Grand Prix begins on Friday 14 August, bringing together 296 judoka from 50 countries at Polideportivo 3 at VIDENA in Lima. The competition, organised by the International Judo Federation -IJF- and the Peruvian Judo Federation, will run until Sunday 16 August and award world ranking points across the 14 Olympic weight categories. The opening day’s preliminary rounds will begin at 11:00 local time, with the final block scheduled from 17:00.
The capital of Peru is hosting the Grand Prix for the second consecutive year after its inaugural edition attracted 284 athletes from 48 countries in 2025. The event’s continuity, together with the previous organisation of the Junior World Championships and the activities scheduled around the competition, strengthens the country’s presence on the World Judo Tour. The Pan-American continent accounts for 153 competitors from 18 countries, while the Peruvian delegation consists of 21 judoka.
Confidence in the Peruvian organisers
The draw was attended by Carlos Zegarra Presser, IJF Vice President and President of the Pan-American Judo Confederation; Peruvian Judo Federation President María Martínez Murciego; and Peruvian Olympic Committee President Renzo Manyari Velazco. IJF Head Referee Director Armen Bagdasarov and Head Sport Director Vladimir Barta were also present. Zegarra thanked the local organisers for their work: “We know it is not easy to organise such a high-level event, and so we offer our respect to Federation President Mrs Martínez Murciego and the whole team for their effort.”
Manyari emphasised the importance of hosting another international competition of this scale. “For Peru, it is absolutely amazing to have you here; I am delighted you have come here for this event. Of course, we are grateful to all the authorities and President Marius Vizer, who trust in the high capacities of the Peru Judo Federation to hold this great event,” he said. Bagdasarov explained that the referees had been selected from among the best in the world and outlined the contest review process, while Barta conducted the draw and highlighted the work of the federation’s technology team.
Olympic champions and leading international judoka in Lima
The field includes 17 judoka ranked among the top ten in their respective categories, two world number ones and five Olympic medallists, including two Olympic champions. Willian Lima, a silver medallist at Paris 2024, leads the -66 kg category, while Olympic champions Rafaela Silva and Beatriz Souza are part of the Brazilian delegation. Olympic medallist Raz Hershko and Italian world champion Assunta Scutto will also compete.
Europe has the largest continental contingent, with 118 competitors from 23 countries. Africa is represented by 11 judoka from five nations, Asia has nine competitors from Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia, and Australia is Oceania’s only participating country, with five athletes. Other notable names in the draw include Paraguay’s Gabriela Narváez, who finished seventh at Paris 2024; Canada’s Heidi Quach; reigning European champion Gennaro Pirelli; and Russia’s Denis Batchaev, a junior world champion and four-time Grand Slam medallist.
A broader international programme in Lima
Activities will continue on 17 August with an international refereeing seminar jointly organised by the IJF and the Pan-American Judo Confederation. It will be the first seminar held under the federation’s new policy of opening these sessions not only to referees and coaches but also to athletes. The programme will cover the competition rules, their latest amendments and the interpretation of key contest situations. The Lima Panamerican Open will follow one day later, with a provisional entry list of 212 judoka from 38 countries.
The Grand Prix also follows the inaugural edition of Sakura Judo, held at VIDENA from 5 to 7 August. The programme brought together 30 athletes, coaches, referees, administrators and sports officials to work on their technical development and opportunities to continue progressing within judo. The initiative forms part of the IJF’s strategy to increase the presence of women across sporting, technical and management roles.
Last related articles
