By Paul Osborne

Judoka will travel to France this weekend to compete in the 40th edition of the Paris Grand Slam ©Getty ImagesFebruary 4 - The International Judo Federation (IJF) World Judo Tour 2014 will be officially launched this weekend, as the finest judoka from around the world gather in France to compete in the 40th edition of the Paris Grand Slam.

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday (February 8 and 9), the Grand Slam will see almost 600 judoka from 83 countries take to the tatami in the 12,500 capacity Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

The Paris event is one of four Grand Slams to take place during the Judo World Tour and is considered one of the leading spectacles on the sport's calendar.

It was first held in 1971 at the Pierre de Coubertin Arena before moving to the Bercy in 2000.

The competition was upgraded to a Grand Slam event in 2009 with the introduction of the Judo World Tour.

The two-day event will provide competitors with vital ranking points ahead of the Olympic qualification period for Rio 2016 in May, with a gold medal in Paris worth 500 points, silver worth 300 and bronze worth 200.

France's six-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Teddy Riner has won the men's +100kg category for the past six years but won't feature in this year's event ©Getty ImagesFrance's six-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Teddy Riner has won the men's over 100kg category for the past six years, but won't feature in this year's event ©Getty Images



Ahead of the Grand Slam, IJF President Marius Vizer said: "A new sports season starts again with the Judo Grand Slam in Paris.

"After an eventful 2013, which saw the establishment of the new refereeing rules, these new rules have been validated and will guide us throughout the Olympic qualification process that will begin later in 2014.

"The Paris tournament is an important moment for the International Judo Federation.

"The knowledge and expertise of the French Judo Federation, led by its president, Jean-Luc Rougé, who is also the Secretary General of our organisation, allow everyone to take the way of the international competitions with strength and dynamism.

"Each year the level is very high.

"Winning the Grand Slam in Paris or to win a medal in front the enthusiastic public of Bercy marks all judo careers."

The opening day of competition on Saturday will see the women's under 48 kilogram, under 52kg, under 57kg and under 63kg weight categories competing, as well as the men's under 60kg, under 66kg and under 73kg categories.

This will be followed by the women's under 70kg, under 78kg and over 78kg, and men's under 81kg, under 90kg, under 100kg and over 100kg on the Sunday.

To watch the latest action on Judo TV click here