Thirty-eight nations will be represented in all with 241 athletes taking part at the Sports Hall Al Inbiaat.

In the men's event, athletes to watch out for include Ukraine's former world champion Georgii Zantaraia at 66 kilograms.

Also taking part will be Russian Khasan Khalmurzaev at 81kg, an Olympic gold medallist and former World Judo Masters champion.

At 90kg, World Championship gold medallist Nemanja Majdov is included among the field while the women's draw will feature Russia's Abu Dhabi Grand Slam champion Irina Dolgova at 48kg.

"The Agadir Grand Prix is the first one of its kind and we are happy to welcome all the delegations in Africa, In Morocco and specifically in the beautiful city of Agadir," said Moroccan Judo Federation President, Chafik Elkettani.

"This event, as all the events that our federation has been organising over the past years, is strongly supported by His Majesty, the King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and it is an honour for us to receive the support of the International Judo Federation and its President as well."

Competition will be spread over three days until Sunday (March 11).

It is the second Grand Prix of the season and the fourth judo event of the 2018 campaign.