Venezuela will send a three-athlete delegation to compete in the International Judo Federation Grand Slam in Lausanne, Switzerland, scheduled for August 29 to 30, according to the Venezuelan Ministry of Popular Power for Sports. The national team features Olympians Anriquelis Barrios and Karen León alongside Andrés Pariche, marking a critical checkpoint in their ongoing preparations for the upcoming regional Games.
The Venezuelan Roster and Weight Divisions
The squad heading to the Swiss city represents a mix of veteran international experience and targeted divisional testing. According to sports ministry reports, the delegation consists of Tokyo 2020 Olympians Anriquelis Barrios, who competes in the under-63 kilogram division, and Karen León, who fights in the over-78 kilogram category. They are joined by male competitor Andrés Pariche in the under-73 kilogram bracket.
This compact team travels to Europe as part of an official competitive calendar designed to evaluate athlete readiness. Ministry officials stated that the international outings serve to measure performance levels, competitive continuity, and tactical prospects for each judoka before major continental multi-sport competitions arrive.
Path to the Santa Fe 2026 Games
For Barrios, León, and Pariche, the Lausanne mats provide essential testing ground ahead of the Juegos Suramericanos Santa Fe 2026. Regional sports planners utilize elite circuit stops like the International Judo Federation Grand Slam to expose athletes to top-tier international pressure and high-ranking opponents.
Competing against global contenders allows coaching staffs to adjust training loads and technical strategies well in advance of the South American multi-sport gathering. The exposure helps maintain competitive rhythm for athletes who have spent years navigating the rigorous Olympic and world tour circuits.
Inside the Lausanne Grand Slam Venue
The tournament takes place inside the Arena Vaudoise in Lausanne, Switzerland, serving as a major stop on the global judo calendar. According to tournament entry data, the event has drawn 530 participants—comprising 315 men and 215 women—representing 78 different countries.
The field features prominent names from the International Judo Federation world ranking list, ensuring that every preliminary match and medal bout presents a demanding test. Action gets underway on the tatami as athletes fight not only for Grand Slam podium finishes but also for vital ranking points on the international tour.
Worth a look
