The 21st edition of the Open International du Tori judo tournament unfolded with renewed vigor in Paris this past weekend, marking a clear rebound from last year’s subdued turnout and reaffirming the event’s growing stature on the European circuit. Held at the Palais des Sports de Gerland in Lyon, France, the competition drew over 320 athletes from 28 nations — a significant increase from the 210 competitors recorded in 2023, according to official figures released by the French Judo Federation (FFJDA).
Organizers credited the resurgence to a combination of restored international travel confidence post-pandemic and strategic outreach to emerging judo nations in Africa and Asia. “We worked closely with continental unions to ensure quotas were filled fairly and that travel grants reached athletes who needed them most,” said FFJDA technical director Nathalie Leclef in a post-event press briefing. “This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about keeping the sport accessible and competitive at all levels.”
The tournament, which operates under International Judo Federation (IJF) rules but carries no World Tour points, served as a key preparatory event for athletes eyeing the upcoming Grand Slam in Baku and the Continental Championships in April. Several top-20 world-ranked judokas used the Open International du Tori to test new techniques or return from injury, including Georgian world bronze medalist Lasha Shavdatuashvili, who claimed gold in the men’s -73kg division after a dominant ippon victory over Japan’s Soichi Hashimoto in the final.
On the women’s side, French star Clarisse Agbegnenou, a two-time Olympic champion and five-time world titleholder, delivered a statement performance in the -63kg category, winning all five of her matches by ippon — including a semifinal upset over reigning world champion Andreja Leški of Slovenia. “It felt good to be back on the mat in front of a home crowd,” Agbegnenou told reporters afterward. “Lyon has always been special for me. This win wasn’t just about the medal — it was about rhythm, timing, and trusting the process again.”
The event also highlighted continued growth in junior and veteran divisions, with over 80 athletes competing in the U18 and Masters categories — a 40% jump from last year. Officials noted that the inclusion of adaptive judo demonstrations on the final day, featuring athletes from the French Paralympic Judo Committee, drew particular attention and underscored the tournament’s expanding role in promoting inclusivity within the sport.
Medal distribution reflected a broad competitive field: France led the standings with seven gold medals, followed by Georgia (four), Japan (three), and Brazil and South Korea (two each). Notably, Kazakhstan secured its first-ever medal at the Open International du Tori when Eldos Smetov won bronze in the men’s -66kg class — a result celebrated by the Central Asian delegation as a sign of progressing development programs.
Despite the success, logistical challenges emerged during the event. A sudden transport strike in Lyon on Saturday disrupted shuttle services between athlete accommodations and the venue, prompting organizers to deploy emergency minibuses and adjust the morning schedule by 90 minutes. “We had to move quick,” said tournament coordinator Marc Dubois. “But the athletes and coaches were understanding. That’s the spirit of judo — adapt and overcome.”
Looking ahead, the FFJDA confirmed that the 22nd edition of the Open International du Tori is scheduled for February 8–9, 2025, with plans to expand live streaming coverage through the IJF’s official YouTube channel and partner with EuroJudo for enhanced regional broadcast rights. Early registration data already shows a 15% increase in pre-signups compared to this time last year, suggesting momentum is building.
For fans and followers, full results, match videos, and athlete interviews are available on the French Judo Federation’s official website. As the judo season progresses toward the Olympic qualification window, events like the Open International du Tori continue to serve as vital touchpoints — not just for medal counts, but for the sport’s evolving global narrative.
What’s next for judo fans? The IJF World Tour resumes with the Baku Grand Slam on March 21–23, 2024, where many of the athletes seen in Lyon will look to carry this momentum into higher-stakes competition. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates, analysis, and exclusive coverage as the season unfolds.
Have thoughts on the Open International du Tori or judo’s rising prominence in Europe? Share your take in the comments below — we read every one and love hearing from the global judo community.
