The Netherlands, which hosted the 2009 World Championships in Rotterdam and a Grand Prix in Amsterdam in the past, will return to the circuit during the upcoming Grand Prix campaign.

The event in The Hague brings the total number of Grand Prix competitions to be held this year to seven, although dates have not yet been confirmed.

"Returning to The Netherlands will develop the popularity of the DJF around the world and our sport and it will be a very positive experience for everyone," IJF President Marius Vizer said.

"It is a pleasure to sign this contract today with The Hague and the DJF.

"Jos Hell has returned as the President of the DJF for the third time and will be a great asset to them. 

"The IJF and Dutch Judo Federation shares the same values and this new four-year partnership will be a very good promotion with the highest level of professionalism.”

A total of six IJF Grand Prix events are due to be held this year.

The Grand Prix season is set to begin next month with the opening competition in Düsseldorf from February 24 to 26.

Back-to-back events are then scheduled for March 31 to April 2 in Tbilisi in Georgia and Antalya in Turkey from April 7 to 9.

The Chinese city of Hohhot plays host to the fourth Grand Prix from June 30 to July 2, before Zagreb in Croatia stages the fifth from September 29 to October 1.

The Grand Prix season is due to conclude in Tashkent in Uzbekistan on October 6 to 8.

"I am very happy that we are here today to bring together the IJF and DJF to sign this new agreement," Hell said. 

"I have to thank Rabin Baldewsingh [Alderman of The Hague] for the tremendous support of The Hague and I would like to thank the IJF and its President.

"We will do everything possible to make sure that this event is a success and I wish us good luck.”