The judo contest at the Summer Youth Olympic Games will feature 103 athletes from 68 countries compete across eight weight categories, four boys and four girls, from Sunday (August 17) to Wednesday (August 21).

There be individual contests in the boy's under 55 kilogram, 66kg, 81kg and 100kg, and women's under 44kg, 52kg, 63kg and 78kg followed by mixed team event.

The mixed team event has become an integral part of the World Championships and every continental showpiece, and sees eight athletes from each nation, four boys and four girls, compete in a single elimination competition with no repechage.

The official draw took place in the Youth Olympic Village here in Nanjing ©IJF



"On behalf of our President, Marius Vizer, I am very glad to welcome you to this official draw," said International Judo Federation (IJF) education and coaching director Mohamed Meridja

"I would like to take this opportunity to convey my best compliments to Nanjing for hosting this event and for welcoming us with open arms.

"Vizer would like to congratulate the Organising Committee and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for the excellent job which has been achieved so far in order to make this event a huge success.

"He would also like to extend his appreciation for the rich educational and cultural programme that has been planned on the occasion of the Youth Olympic Games.

"We are confident that our young judoka will develop positive exchanges with their opponents.

"They will participate in the Games, but not only to win a medal, but above all to gain experience and to share our judo values and the Olympic values.

"These Games belong to the youth.

"They are the hosts of the present, and the ambassadors of the future.

"We do hope that the Games will give birth to champions and role models.

"Our vision aims to put on the stage the sport which places culture, education and respect as its core priorities.

"I would like to conclude by wishing much success to all our athletes.

"We hope that at the end of the YOG, they will make many new friends and share memorable times together."

Judo will be held at the Nanjing Longjiang Gymnasium from August 17-21 ©IJF



The draw was introduced by Vladimir Barta, the IJF head sports director, before being led by Armen Bagdasarov, the IJF sports director, and the IJF IT team.

"I am happy to see all of you again here in Nanjing.

"A few weeks ago we were all together in Fiesch, Switzerland, for the preparation training camp, organised by Sergei Aschwanden, Olympic medallist, and his team, and by the IJF with the support of the Olympic Solidarity and the IOC.

"Today we are having the draw of the individual competition but on the 20th, we will meet again for the draw of the team event.

"This event is really important and generates an incredible atmosphere.

"So far, everything is running very smoothly and the venue looks really great."

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