Switzerland will host the Judo World Championships in 2028, returning the tournament to the country for the first time since 1989, according to announcements by the International Judo Federation and the Swiss Judo Federation. The agreement was finalized during the first École Mont-Olivet Judo Grand Slam Lausanne 2026, anchoring the city on Lake Geneva as a central hub for international combat sports.
Lausanne Prepares to Welcome the World in 2028
The International Judo Federation press office confirmed that Lausanne will serve as the host city for the 2028 championships. For Swiss judo, the event marks a milestone. The country last hosted the competition in 1989. Sergei Aschwanden, president of the Swiss Judo Federation, described securing the event as both an honor and a significant responsibility.
According to Aschwanden, the path to 2028 includes hosting upcoming Grand Slam tournaments in both 2026 and 2027. Organizers anticipate that the international showcases will accelerate the sport’s domestic growth across multiple metrics, including sporting excellence, increased participation, inclusion programs, and inspiring a new generation of athletes. The federation aims to establish a sustainable legacy for Lausanne, the Canton of Vaud, and Swiss judo.
A Complex Geopolitical Landscape for International Judo
The awarding of the 2028 tournament arrives during a politically charged period for the international governing body. In November 2025, the International Judo Federation reinstated the right of Russian athletes to compete under their national flag and anthem at international competitions. That decision marked a shift from earlier sanctions implemented following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which had previously forced Russian competitors to perform under neutral status or face outright exclusion from major events.
Lausanne’s ties to the Olympic movement provide a familiar backdrop for high-stakes international administration. As the home of the International Olympic Committee and numerous other international sports federations, the city frequently manages complex multi-national sporting events and diplomatic considerations.
What Lies Ahead for Swiss Judo
With preparations now underway, the 2028 World Championships are projected to rank among the largest athletic spectacles hosted in Switzerland during that calendar year. National officials will turn their attention to the upcoming 2026 and 2027 Grand Slam fixtures in Lausanne, which will serve as milestones on the road to the 2028 global gathering.
